Heartleaf Aptenia

Family Aizoaceae. This plant, a succulent, is adapted to survive in arid conditions. It stores and retains moisture in its fleshy leaves and stems. In its native South Africa (zones: 9-11) it grows as a perennial.

Aptenia easily propagates by stem cuttings, so in spring young plants appear in garden centers. When planted in open ground, it quickly spreads and forms a continuous carpet of green shoots and leaves. Above them rise purplish-red flowers that open only in direct sunlight. This excellent groundcover plant prefers bright light and loose, dry, poor soil. It is primarily used for creating displays on raised beds and in rock gardens, and is also grown in containers. If in autumn the succulent is dug up, potted into boxes or pots, and brought into a cool but frost-free room, it will overwinter well and can be planted outdoors in spring. Cuttings taken in August-September are also kept this way.