Common Name: drosanthemum
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Aizoaceae
Native Range: South Africa
Zone: 8 to 10
Height: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Description: Yellow with red tips
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Tolerate: Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Culture
Best grown in light textured, well-draining, slightly moist to dry soils in full sun. Tolerant of heat and dry soils, but performs best without extended periods of drought. Water when the soil is almost fully dry. Propagates easily from seed, but cuttings of new growth can also be taken. Shear plants once a year after flowering to encourage vigorous new growth and a dense flower display. Hardy in USDA Zones 8-10.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Drosanthemum micans, commonly called Robertson vygie or Robertson dewflower, is a perennial, succulent subshrub endemic to the Robertson Karoo in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Mature plants will reach around 2' tall and spread to fill a 3' area with a densely branched, compact habit. The succulent foliage is semi-cylindrical in shape and will reach around 1" long and 0.15" wide. The stems are seasonally topped with 2" wide blooms creating a showy floral display. The flowers have numerous, narrow, yellow petals with orange-red tips and a contrasting ring of small, dark purple to black, filamentous staminoids (structures that resemble stamens).
The genus name Drosanthemum comes from the Greek meaning "dew flower" in reference to the glittering appearance of the young stems and foliage.
The specific epithet micans means "shining" or "glistening", in reference to the glittering appearance of the young stems and foliage.
The common names Robertson vygie and Robertson dewflower refer to the Robertson Karoo where this plant is native. The Afrikaans word vygie means "small fig", in reference to the shape and size of the fruiting capsules. Dewflower refers to the glistening leaves and stems which may appear to be speckled with tiny drops of dew. This is the result of swollen bladder cells which store excess water.
Problems
No major pest or disease problems of note.
Uses
Rock garden, pathway edger, large containers.