The Ocean Sunset series of Delosperma is a succulent spectacle that’ll turn your Indiana Zone 6a garden into a coastal carnival—minus the sand in your shoes. These hardy ice plants, courtesy of the clever folks at Concept Plants, crave full sun like a sunbather on spring break, needing 6+ hours daily to strut their stuff. Shade’s a no-go—they’d rather tan than hide. Growing to a modest 4-6 inches tall and spreading 10-12 inches wide, they’re the low-riders of the plant world, perfect for rock gardens or spilling over pots like a tipsy party guest.
Bloom time runs from late spring through summer, with some varieties, like the fiery ‘Orange Glow,’ occasionally showing off into fall if they’re feeling extra fabulous. ‘Orange Glow’ steals the show with its oversized, tropical-orange blooms tipped with hot pink and sporting yellow centers—like a floral sunset that forgot to set. These flowers open mid-morning and close at night, proving they’re not afraid of a little beauty sleep. Pollinators? Bees and butterflies swarm them like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet, while deer turn up their noses—take that, garden grazers!
Drought tolerance is their middle name (well, not really, but it could be)—once established, they sip water sparingly, thriving in Indiana’s dry spells. Plant them in well-drained soil—no swampy nonsense—or they’ll sulk and rot. Cold-hardy and evergreen, they’ll keep your garden green even when winter tries to ice the party. ‘Orange Glow’ shines in containers or borders, its vivid hues practically daring your neighbors to up their game. For Zone 6a gardeners, the Ocean Sunset series is a low-maintenance win—less work, more wow, and a chance to gloat when your plants outlast the summer heat!
