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 patersoniae – Paterson Sheepfig

Delosperma patersoniae is another South African vygie named after a plant collector, occurring in rocky, sun-baked habitats where it survives on minimal soil and occasional rainfall. It forms a low, branching subshrub with fleshy leaves, often arranged along slightly woody stems that help it withstand grazing and weather.

The flowers are colourful daisies that sit above the foliage, typically in pink to purple hues, with a bright central eye. They open most fully on sunny days and close at night or in poor light. The peak flowering season is usually spring into early summer, though established plants may produce smaller flushes later in the season.

In cultivation, D. patersoniae is well suited to rockeries, dry borders and raised beds across much of South Africa. It appreciates full sun and very well-drained soil, and is happiest when allowed to dry between thorough waterings. It can also be pruned lightly if needed to keep older plants compact, and can be combined with dwarf aloes, bulbine and other small succulents for a strong indigenous display.