Family: Aizoaceae

Originally from Cape Province in South Africa, this genus consists of 200 species of prostrate, perennial succulents, grown for their profusion of sparkling, summer and autumn flowers. These branching plants have rounded to three-angled, shiny, bright green, blunt or tapered leaves. The glossy, 5 cm (2 in) wide, daisy-like flowers, range from pure white through yellow, orange, red and pink to purple. In frost-prone climates, grow in an intermedi­ate greenhouse or use as summer bedding plants.

Species

L. amoenus has semi-cylindrical leaves, which turn a reddish colour in full sun, and purplish red flowers.

L. aureus grows to around 40 cm (16 in), with vivid, golden-orange flowers and threeangled, blueish green, tapering leaves.

L. candidus has white flowers which turn pinkish with age.

L. coccineus is a dazzling sight in summer, with its intensely red, iridescent blooms. The gray-green leaves are tubular.

L. purpureus has shiny, rounded leaves and abundant pink-purple flowers.

L. roseus has masses of pale pink flowers and

L. specta­bilis very large, purplish red flowers.

Cultivation

These succulents are easy to grow, requiring only full sun to open the flowers. They are useful groundcovers and soil-binding plants. Trim occasionally after flowering as they can become straggly. Under glass, grow in pots of cactus compost in maximum light. Keep plants only slightly moist in the winter. Propagate from seed or stem cuttings in the spring with basal warmth.

Climate

Warmer parts of zone 9.