Ice Plant ( Mesembryanthemum ) Seeds

Mesembryanthemum criniflorum or the Livingstone Daisy is a half-hardy annual with a bright and sunny disposition, guaranteed to bring startling colour to your garden. Previously classified as Dorotheanthus bellidiformis but now recognised as a distinct genus/species.

Their large, Crazy-Daisy like flowers have almost flourescent qualities which are generally contrasted with white or cream centres and a dark eye.

They are very easy to grow providing you give them plenty of direct sunshine where they will reward with a thick, low carpet of narrow succulent foliage with the flowers held just above for a stunning display of many colours from pink through to orange, apricot, white and reds.

They go well on patios, alpine and rockery as well as coastal gardens and are best grown in borders, raised beds, pots and tubs or even window boxes.

Useful gardening information

Sow seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost. Or, sow seed outdoors after danger of frost has passed. If planting in trays, transplant when seedlings are 2 inches tall and space them 12 inches apart. Apply a slow-release fertilizer at the time of transplanting.

Soil: Light, well drained soils are best with some added organic matter.

Due their succulent foliage they are fairly drought resistant but go best when watered around once a week.

Maintenance: Little maintenance required and the flowers are quite long lasting.

Diseases: None of note.

JB090 Bellidiformis Mix ( Dorotheanthus Bellidiformis Mix )

This showy, trailing plant is frost tender making it an annual in most areas of the United States. Livingstone Daisy Ice Plants are perfect for along the driveway, flowerbed, or mass plantings anywhere in full sun to create a low-growing, blooming ground cover.

This mix produces free-flowering, drought-tolerant, easy-to-care-for plants that thrive in the hot, dry soil that other plants simply will not tolerate. These bright colored daisies typically are 1 1/2 inches across with dozens of long, slender petals jammed around a black eye. They face straight up on plants that just reach 4 - 6 inches tall. You can not find an easier flowering ground cover plant to establish from ground cover seed.

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