If you love vygies and waterwise gardening, Delosperma is one of those genera that quickly becomes addictive. These are mostly low, mat-forming succulents in the Aizoaceae, famous for their shimmering “ice” cells on the leaves and stems that catch the light like tiny crystals – a clever way of reflecting harsh African sun while storing precious moisture.

The genus is centred in southern Africa, with the bulk of species in South Africa and Lesotho, but stretching north into eastern Africa as far as Ethiopia and even into the Arabian Peninsula. Many are local endemics tied to specific rock types or mountain systems – from arid Karoo flats and grassland dolerite outcrops to subalpine Drakensberg cliffs. Seed capsules are typically hygrochastic: they open when wet, using little “valves” and wings to present or flick out the seed in rain – exactly the kind of detail that makes them fascinating subjects for a seed-focused collector.

In the garden, Delosperma species are valued for their carpets of daisy-like flowers in intense shades of magenta, pink, purple, yellow and orange, often over a very long season. Given full sun and sharply drained, sandy or gravelly soils, many species are remarkably drought tolerant and need little more than occasional watering once established. They are ideal for rockeries, retaining walls, containers, green roofs and banks where a tough, colourful, pollinator-friendly groundcover is needed.

For a succulent enthusiast in South Africa, Delosperma offers a huge palette of local biodiversity – from tiny, niche endemics to showy garden workhorses – all fitting neatly into the broader push toward waterwise, climate-resilient gardening.

Delosperma laxipetalum

Delosperma laxipetalum is a South African species distinguished by its more open-petalled flowers—hence “laxipetalum.” It forms modest mats of succulent foliage adapted to rocky, seasonal habitats. The leaves are plump and often lightly glaucous, giving the plant a pleasant, clean appearance even out of flower.

Flowers appear in late spring and summer, held somewhat loosely compared to other species, creating a fine, delicate look. Colours tend toward soft pinks and magenta shades, complementing the understated habit.

This species is ideal for naturalistic rockeries, gravel gardens and container collections. It thrives in full sun, free-draining soil and infrequent watering. From seed it is easy, requiring only surface sowing, steady moisture until germination, and gradual exposure to sun. Once planted out, it makes a gentle, attractive groundcover for waterwise landscapes.