Delosperma ‘Sundella Apricot’

Description

Delosperma ‘Sundella Apricot’ is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial with a spreading mat-forming habit. It produces vibrant, daisy-like apricot flowers from early summer until late autumn, bringing long-lasting colour to rock gardens, borders, and containers. This sun-loving plant thrives in hot, dry conditions and is highly attractive to butterflies. Once established, Delosperma ‘Sundella Apricot’ requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Delosperma ‘Sundella Apricot’ is in spring, once the risk of frost has passed. This allows the plant to establish strong roots before summer.
• Autumn: In milder climates, planting Delosperma ‘Sundella Apricot’ in early autumn gives it time to settle in before winter dormancy, resulting in robust growth in the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Delosperma thrives in full sun. Choose a site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for the best flowering display.
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy, or gravelly soil is essential for Delosperma ‘Sundella Apricot’. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas, as excess moisture can cause root rot. Amending the soil with sand or grit improves drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of 20cm and mix in sharp sand or grit to improve drainage.
2. Planting Depth: Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant’s root ball and place Delosperma ‘Sundella Apricot’ so that the crown is level with the soil surface.
3. Spacing: Space plants approximately 30cm apart to allow for their spreading habit.
4. Watering After Planting: Water lightly after planting to help settle the roots, but avoid overwatering.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Delosperma ‘Sundella Apricot’ is highly drought-tolerant. Once established, water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
• Dry Periods: In prolonged dry spells, an occasional deep watering will keep the plant healthy without encouraging excessive moisture retention.
• Winter: Reduce watering in winter to prevent excess moisture around the roots.

Feeding

• Apply a light application of a balanced, low-nitrogen fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
• Avoid excessive feeding, as too much nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
• Pruning: Trim back any leggy or damaged stems in early spring to maintain a neat, compact appearance.

Mulching

• Apply a thin layer of gravel or grit around the base of Delosperma ‘Sundella Apricot’ to enhance drainage and protect against excessive moisture.
• Avoid organic mulches like bark or compost, as these retain moisture and can lead to rot.

Supporting the Plant

• Delosperma ‘Sundella Apricot’ has a naturally spreading, low-growing habit and does not require staking or additional support.

Winter Protection

• While Delosperma ‘Sundella Apricot’ is hardy, in colder regions, applying a layer of gravel or sand around the roots helps protect them from excessive winter moisture.
• If grown in containers, move pots to a sheltered location to prevent waterlogging.

Final Tips

Delosperma ‘Sundella Apricot’ is a fantastic choice for rock gardens, borders, and containers, providing months of vibrant colour with minimal care. This resilient, drought-tolerant plant is perfect for creating a low-maintenance, butterfly-friendly garden display. Consider pairing your Delosperma with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants for a stunning and effortless landscape.

RHS Details

See more Delosperma from Proctors