Hearts and Flowers is a smaller species of the ice plant family. It has small heart shaped leaves and small, bright red flowers which gives it the common name it goes by in Hawaii. It has been around, and in the local nurseries, for decades which must mean it does well here. You occasionally see a variegated leaf variety and also a yellow flower form.
The Heart and Flowers plant is native to South Africa so it can take some sun and dryness, but really, it does better in partial shade as it is not as tough as it looks. It stays at about 6 inches in height so often gets used as ground cover but does better in small patches. I would not try to use it over large sunny areas because you are sure to get dead areas. It works really well in pots or hanging baskets which allow the stems to hang several inches over the side and is fast growing. They do like to be well watered but need good drainage so that the plant does not rot. Occasionally the ones in containers may need a bit of a trim back. You do need to keep an eye out for slugs and snails. Sometimes I have some yellowing of leaves. A few doses of multi nutrient fertilizer seems to solve the problem.
This is a plant that is easily propagated. Take a few tip cuttings about 6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and flowers and plant them up in some potting media to get them going. I usually dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder to help things along. I put 4-5 cuttings together in a 6-inch pot and it will be a strong looking plant within a month.
Aloha
PS July, 2024
It was interesting to see Hearts and Flowers on my recent trip to Morocco. Of course it is a good plant for their hot and dry conditions.
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| In a medina alley, Marrakesh |
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| Hearts and Flowers in the grave on the right. Fes cemetery. |
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