Oscularia deltoides (L.) Schwantes

Native Habitat

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.

Size and Growth Habit

It reaches 30 cm (12 in) in height and spreads indefinitely, bearing silver-blue foliage.

Leaf Characteristics

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.

Stem Coloration

Its stems are often tinted purple.

Flower Features

In spring, it produces large numbers of pink, almond-scented flowers.

Cultivation Propagation

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.

Garden Growth Traits

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.

Ecological Interaction

It attracts butterflies.

Cold Tolerance

In colder temperate regions, it needs winter protection or glass cover to survive.

Horticultural Award

It has earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Previous Taxonomy

It was previously classified in the genus Lampranthus under the name Lampranthus deltoides.