Malotigena frantiskae-niederlovae 'Gold Nugget'
ice plant 'Gold Nugget'
Densely, mat-forming, evergreen succulent 30-50cm (12-20in) across with bright apple-green foliage to 3cm (1½ in) high from dry areas in South Africa, producing brilliant yellow, daisy-like flowers in summer, to 5cm (2in) high and 2.5cm (1in) across, which only open fully in bright sunshine. Foliage becomes deep red in winter.
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Red |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Aizoaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Malotigena are rare, hardy and compact succulents growing to a height of around 10cm and spread of around 25cm. They have creeping branches and succulent leaves. Flowers are golden yellow and appear in the summer.
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
If given full sun and very good drainage, the plant can prove to be surprisingly hardy, considering its provenance. Grow in troughs in a gritty, sharply-draining, peat-free, loam-based compost; also does well on a scree/crevice bed outside, or as a potplant in an unheated alpine house
Propagation
propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
Pruning
no pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free although plants may rot in wet conditions overwinter
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