Mesembryanthemum cordifolium

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heart-leaved fig marigold

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Cactus Succulent

A dwarf evergreen perennial, forming a mat of succulent, trailing stems and shiny, fleshy, heart-shaped leaves to 2cm long. In summer it produces many-petalled, daisy-like pink flowers from the stems tips. Suitable for a container on a sunny patio

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 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
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Aizoaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Trailing
Genus
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Outdoors, grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; move into a frost-free greehouse in autumn. Under glass grow in a mix of 3 parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost to 2 parts grit, in full light with good ventilation. In growth, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed or cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Hanging Basket
  • Patio and container plants
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Trim back lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free