Baby Sunrose (Aptenia cordifolia): Succulent Groundcover with Red Flowers

Aptenia cordifolia, known as Baby Sunrose, Dew Plant, or Heartleaf Ice Plant, is a fast-spreading, succulent groundcover with small, bright green, heart-shaped leaves and shiny, red, daisy-like flowers. It's a tough, colorful carpet for hot, dry sites.

Botanical Profile

Growing Baby Sunrose

Native to South Africa, this mat-forming perennial hugs the ground at 2–6 inches tall, spreading 2–3 feet or more. The fleshy leaves are opposite and heart-shaped. The 0.5–1 inch flowers open in sun, close at night, blooming spring through fall. It thrives in full sun, poor, well-drained soil, and extreme heat; very drought-tolerant.

Hardy in zones 9–11; in cooler zones, use as an annual or container plant. Excellent for rock gardens, slopes, between pavers, and spilling over walls. The cultivar 'Red Apple' has larger, brighter flowers. Variegated forms exist. Low-maintenance, fire-resistant, and deer-resistant. A vibrant, water-wise groundcover for sunny, dry spots.