Aptenia cordifolia

RHS Plant Profile
baby sun rose
baby sun rose Dorling Kindersley 2003

Other common names

dew plant, heart-leaf ice plant

Cactus Succulent Conservatory Greenhouse

A trailing succulent perennial with fleshy, triangular-ovate leaves and daisy-like, bright red-purple flowers 1.5cm across

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Aizoaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus
Aptenia are trailing or prostrate succulent perennials with broadly ovate or heart-shaped leaves and small, daisy-like flowers in summer and autumn
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Temp S Africa, E Cape Coast

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in bright, filtered light. When in growth water moderately. Feed in the spring with a low nitrogen liquid fertilizer. Keep dry in the winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 21 -25°C or by stem cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free