About Oscularia deltoides (L.) Schwantes
Oscularia deltoides is an intensely flowering succulent plant that grows among sandstone rocks in the winter-rainfall mountains of the far south-western corner of South Africa. It reaches 30 cm (12 in) in height and spreads indefinitely, bearing silver-blue foliage. Its thick, succulent leaves are three-sided, a trait referenced by its scientific epithet deltoides meaning 'triangular', and have red tooth-like projections along their margins. Its stems are often tinted purple. In spring, it produces large numbers of pink, almond-scented flowers. This species is increasingly grown as an ornamental plant in South African gardens, and it can be easily propagated from cuttings that should be planted in a sunny location. A low-maintenance succulent, it spreads to form a colourful mat, growing well on the rocky edge of flower beds where it cascades over the edge. It attracts butterflies. In colder temperate regions, it needs winter protection or glass cover to survive. It has earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It was previously classified in the genus Lampranthus under the name Lampranthus deltoides.
