Delosperma cooperi ('WOW20111') WOW® 'Golden Wonder' Cooper's ice plant

WOW® Golden Wonder iceplant(patented under PP25,684 in 2015) produces large, 3-4 cm across, daisy-like, bright yellow flowers, from the first hot days of late spring until the last sunny and warm days of autumn before the first frost. The flowers open only on a sunny day and close in the evening. The water-absorbing foliage is medium green, thick or almost needle-like, evergreen. The plant grows fairly fast covering grounds in short time.

WOW®(=Wheels of Wonder) is a Japanese series bred by Koichiro Nishikawa since 2010. There a quite a few varieties to date that were selected among naturally cross-bred plants of mostly delosperma cooperi.

Cooper’s ice plant requires full sun and very well‑drained soil; the drier and more mineral‑poor the site, the better it maintains compact growth and abundant flowering. Watering should be limited and short‑term, mainly after planting or during prolonged drought; persistent waterlogging is the most common cause of failure, particularly in winter. The soil should be neutral to slightly alkaline, with a high proportion of gravel or stone to ensure rapid drainage. Fertilization is not necessary, though in containers a very weak application of mineral fertilizer with a predominance of potassium and phosphorus during the growing season may be beneficial; nitrogen‑rich fertilizers should be avoided. In dry conditions, the plant tolerates frost down to approximately –18 °C (USDA zone 7), with protection from winter moisture being far more important than protection from cold. In containers, it is advisable to provide shelter primarily from rain and snow, for example by placing the pot under a roof overhang. The plant is evergreen, non‑toxic, and long‑lived when grown in suitable conditions, making it well suited to low‑maintenance gardens.

Last update 17-06-2016