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Cactus Succulent

Mesembryanthemum cordifolium

heart-leaved fig marigold

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

Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Aizoaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Trailing
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

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.