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Cactus Succulent

Mesembryanthemum cordifolium

heart-leaved fig marigold

A dwarf evergreen perennial, forming a mat of succulent, trailing stems and shiny, fleshy, heart-shaped leaves to 2cm long. In summer it produces many-petalled, daisy-like pink flowers from the stems tips. Suitable for a container on a sunny patio

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Ultimate height

Up to 10cm

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.1–0.5 metres

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun

Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Drought resistance

Yes

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Aizoaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Trailing
Name status: Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Outdoors, grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; move into a frost-free greehouse in autumn. Under glass grow in a mix of 3 parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost to 2 parts grit, in full light with good ventilation. In growth, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed or cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City and courtyard gardens
hanging basket
Patio and container plants
Bedding
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Trim back lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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