Red aptenia (Aptenia cordifolia) Helia and Wouter

This hardy groundcover grows quickly and is a mainstay in waterwise gardens. It is also ideal for stabilising soil on steep slopes and is an excellent choice for planting in retaining wall blocks; it will cover them in no time at all.

With its beautiful glossy foliage and dark, deep red flowers it is always eye-catching. The flowers appear from August to April and open during the brightest time of day, usually from late morning into the afternoon. Red aptenia is highly adaptable and will thrive in almost any conditions and soil. It grows easily from cuttings and although it doesn’t look as good during the winter months in winter rainfall areas, it recovers quickly in spring. Although red aptenia is drought-hardy, it can also handle being watered more often. It grows well in coastal gardens and doesn’t mind wind and sea spray. It also attracts myriad butterflies and bees to your garden. This groundcover occurs naturally in summer rainfall regions, the Eastern Cape coastal areas and in KwaZulu-Natal. Plant guide • Full sun • Indigenous • Waterwise • Moderately frost-hardy • Height 10cm