Aptenia cordifolia

Common Name:
Baby Sun Rose (also heartleaf ice plant)

Description:
Aptenia cordifolia is a vigorous, low-growing succulent ground cover native to South Africa. It forms dense mats of glossy, heart-shaped leaves that shimmer under sunlight. From spring through summer, it produces abundant daisy-like flowers in bright pink or magenta, which open during sunny daylight hours and attract pollinators such as bees. This plant thrives in well-draining soil and exhibits strong drought tolerance, making it ideal for rock gardens, containers, hanging baskets, or coastal landscapes. While it prefers full sun, it tolerates part shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Though evergreen in warm climates, it is not frost-hardy and should be protected from prolonged cold.

Form:

• Ground Cover

• Shrub – Clumping / Mounding

Mature Size:

• Height: 5–15 cm

• Width: up to 60 cm (spreading mat)

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

• Indoors / Well lit (as container/hanging plant)

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

• Flowers in Summer

• Flowers nearly year-round in frost-free climates

Flower Colour:

• Bright Pink to Magenta (some forms red-purple)

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Drought Tolerant

• Low Maintenance

• Evergreen Ground Cover

• Pollinator Friendly (bees)

• Rockery / Container Friendly

• Coastal Tolerant

• Perennial

Negative Attributes:

• Can become invasive if unchecked

• Not frost-hardy—protected in cold climates

Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans, cats, and dogs

Companion Plants:

• Other succulents (Echeveria, Sedum)

• Mediterranean herbs (lavender, thyme)

• Ornamental grasses for texture contrast