Overview
Delosperma also known as Ice plants or pink ice plants since they often have bright pink flowers, is not toxic to dogs or poisonous to cats. In fact delosperma is safe for cats and not harmful to dogs. Even though they are called “ice plants”, I often see these by beaches in Northern California and did not realize that they were also called delosperma.
So you know, we check the flowers we feature on our site with the ASPCA and do extensive internet research for both the common and scientific name just to be super pet safe. If we cannot find direct reference, we check up to genus and so on until we can confirm whether a plant is toxic or non toxic to both cats and dogs. If we are not sure, or get contradictory information, we do not include it. Many of the plants featured we have grown successfully in our own pet safe garden in Northern California. You can see many of garden stars in photos from Lovie’s Pet Safe Garden.
Physical Attributes
Pink Ice Plants are low-growing, mat-forming succulents with fleshy, evergreen leaves covered in glistening “ice” crystals. They produce masses of daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, magenta, orange, yellow or white that bloom throughout the summer. Plants grow 6-12 inches tall and spread up to 3 feet wide.
General Care Tips and Pointers
Plant in full sun and very well-drained soil – they cannot tolerate wet conditions. Water deeply but infrequently once established. Delosperma are extremely drought tolerant. Little to no maintenance is required – no need to prune or fertilize. Divide overcrowded clumps every few years.
Fun Facts/Trivia
Delosperma species are native to southern Africa. The name “ice plant” refers to the glistening crystals on the leaves that resemble ice. They are deer and rabbit resistant. Flowers close at night and on cloudy days. Attract butterflies and bees when in bloom. Some varieties like ‘Table Mountain’ are cold hardy to zone 5.
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Container Friendly | Yes, suitable for containers.[1][2][4] |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Outdoor[1][2][3][4][5] |
| Sun/Shade | Full sun[1][2][3][4][5] |
| Perennial/Annual | Perennial in zones 5-9, annual in colder zones.[1][3] |
| Flowering | Daisy-like pink, purple, magenta, orange, yellow flowers in summer.[1][2][3][4] |
| Drought Tolerant | Yes, extremely drought tolerant once established.[1][2][3][4] |
| Pollinator Magnet | Yes, attracts bees and butterflies when flowering.[1][3] |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes, low maintenance and easy to grow.[2][4] |
| Good Ground Cover | Yes, forms a spreading mat 6-12 inches tall.[1][2][3][4] |
| Good Privacy Screen | No, too short in height. |
| Invasive/Spreader | Spreads up to 3 feet wide but not considered invasive.[2][3] |
| Dog & Cat Durable | Fairly hearty and non toxic to both |
| Rodent Repellent | Unknown |
| Deer Resistant | Yes, deer and rabbit resistant.[2][3] |
| Native | No, native to southern Africa.[1][3] |
Citations:
[1] https://www.perennials.com/plants/delosperma-table-mountain.html
[2] https://www.greatgardenplants.com/products/pink-ice-plant
[3] https://www.highcountrygardens.com/content/gardening/growing-ice-plant-delosperma
[4] https://costafarms.com/blogs/plant-finder/ice-plant
[5] https://www.boethingtreeland.com/plants/delosperma-cooperi-table-mountain/
