BABY SUN ROSE (APTENIA CORDIFOLIA)

Aptenia cordifolia is species of succulent plant in the ice plant family known by the common names heartleaf ice plant and the baby sun rose. 

What's the best groundcover for hot sun? Meet baby sun rose, an easy-care plant that thrives in hot, dry, sunny areas. One of South Florida's very low growing groundcovers, it hugs the ground and blooms most of the year.

The leaves are small and thick, and the pretty little flowers look like miniature asters. 

The most common variety has bright red blossoms, but it is also available with golden yellow blooms. They have the added benefit of attracting hummingbirds.


Though it needs the warm temperature, you can grow baby sun rose in a container or hanging basket to being indoors during cold weather.

PLANT CARE:

 No soil amendments are needed.

 If it is flowering over a wall or side of a pot, trim it back and then to remove any stringy stems and encourage new growth. In spring late March or early April cut back the plants to remove any winter damage and they'll flush out again during warm weather.

Water on a regular basis with enough time for the soil to dry out between waterings.
 Make sure the area is very well drained or the plant won't make it.

Fertilize twice a year in spring and late summer with a controlled release fertilizer.

PROPAGATION:

It easily reproduces from cuttings of the developed stems, roots, seeds of its capsular fruit, and even from its own buried leaves. Seeds must be sowed in summer and cuttings can be done in early spring in cooler climates. For cuttings, the plant can be divided and runners can be planted directly into the ground. With regard to risks, it is very resistant to drought, but with moist soil, it grows rapidly. 

The plant is also used in the kitchen, mostly for decorative purposes or mixed with salad. The fleshy leaves have a sour taste.

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