Hairy Dewflower

The Hairy Dewflower or Rosea Ice Plant (Drosanthemum hispidum, Aizoaceae) is a perennial succulent native to South Africa and Namibia. It serves as a ground cover in Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Hairy Dewflower requires adequate care and initially grows as a spreading plant at a height of twenty cm, with a central protrusion that can rise to sixty cm and extend up to one m. It is an evergreen plant with opposite leaves that can reach three cm in length. The leaves have small protrusions resembling dewdrops, from which the plant derives its name. During spring, it becomes covered in pink, star-shaped flowers, each with a diameter of up to three cm, creating a visually appealing display, especially when cascading from rocky slopes.

The Hairy Dewflower requires well-draining soil and regular watering during summer. It thrives in sunny environments and is tolerant of light frost. The plant can grow in poor or highly saline soil, but it does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, as excessive moisture can quickly lead to its demise.

The Hairy Dewflower propagates through multiple methods, including direct seeding, which results in varied flower colors ranging from mauve to white, with some flowers reaching a diameter of five cm. It also reproduces through stem cuttings and enhances the landscape when cascading from rocky slopes.