Gold Nugget Ice Plant

Delosperma congestum 'Gold Nugget' is a very low, evergreen succulent that forms a dense mat of bright green foliage and brilliant yellow, daisy-like flowers. Its compact scale suits sunny rock gardens, troughs, and small groundcover areas where the soil drains freely. ## Size and season Hortech lists a maximum height of 5 inches, while the Royal Horticultural Society describes foliage about 3 cm high and flowers rising to 5 cm. The RHS gives a mature spread of 30–50 cm (12–20 inches) and summer flowering; Hortech notes late-spring blooms and attractive maroon winter foliage. ## Growing conditions Give it full sun and sharply drained soil. The RHS lists loam and sand and recommends very good drainage; Hortech describes the plant as drought resistant and notes that watering is mainly needed during the hottest summer days. It is a useful choice for a sunny gravel or rock garden and can also be grown in a patio container. ## Maintenance Routine pruning is unnecessary. Trim only if the mat needs to be kept within bounds, and avoid persistently wet winter conditions. [Hortech plant profile](https://hortech.com/plant/delosperma-congestum-gold-nugget/) and [RHS plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/239040/delosperma-congestum-gold-nugget/details).