Malotigena frantiskae-niederlovae 'Gold Nugget'
ice plant 'Gold Nugget'
Densely, mat-forming, evergreen succulent 30-50cm (12-20in) across with bright apple-green foliage to 3cm (1½ in) high from dry areas in South Africa, producing brilliant yellow, daisy-like flowers in summer, to 5cm (2in) high and 2.5cm (1in) across, which only open fully in bright sunshine. Foliage becomes deep red in winter.
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Red |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Aizoaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Malotigena are rare, hardy and compact succulents growing to a height of around 10cm and spread of around 25cm. They have creeping branches and succulent leaves. Flowers are golden yellow and appear in the summer.
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
If given full sun and very good drainage, the plant can prove to be surprisingly hardy, considering its provenance. Grow in troughs in a gritty, sharply-draining loam-based compost; also does well on a scree/crevice bed outside, or as a potplant in an unheated alpine house
Propagation
propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
Pruning
no pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free although plants may rot in wet conditions overwinter
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.