Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Aizoaceae
Botanical Name
APTENIA cordifolia
Plant Common Name
Baby Sun Rose, Heartleaf Ice Plant
General Description
The small, heart-shaped leaves of baby sun rose contrast with its magenta-red, daisy-like flowers. This tender, succulent, creeping evergreen perennial is native to southern Africa.
The fleshy leaves are bright green, heart-shaped, and covered in very tiny hairs, and thus feel felt-like. The flowers, with many string-like petals surrounding a small, yellow-white eye, are the size of a large thumbnail and open only when the sun is shining. They are a rich magenta-red and attract butterflies.
Grow baby sun rose in full to partial sun and well-drained soil that is average to quite gritty. In hot summer regions or in a spot with lots of reflective heat, provide some shade in the afternoon. Although a succulent, this perennial needs moderate moisture in summer to grow its best. Keep it drier in the winter. It tolerates light frosts. Use it as a groundcover in a rockery, in a hanging basket or spilling over the edge of a container. There are cultivars with different colored flowers, including white, yellow, clear red and violet.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 8
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 12
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun
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Height
1"-3" / 2.5cm - 7.6cm
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Width
18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
Southern Africa
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Salt
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Prostrate/Trailing
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Groundcover, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
