Changing up your plant palette selection is a good way to explore new plants and spruce up your landscape. One candidate that might appeal to you is called the baby sun rose. How can you resist a plant with a name like that? Low-growing, this excellent sun-lover is an ideal groundcover that is well-behaved, colorful, and sustainable.
Originally coming from South Africa, this succulent herbaceous plant is only about four inches tall but can get up to twenty-four inches wide. Very drought-tolerant, baby sun rose will appreciate well-drained soil and a sunny site in which to flower. While the normally encountered types have green leaves, there is a variegated cultivar that adds colorful foliage to the gem-like flowers. The flowers remind you of small asters and commonly come in reddish/purple color – likely the cultivar called ‘Red Apple’. There is also a yellow variety for a change of pace which is available on occasion. It is normal for the baby sun rose flowers to open during the day and close at night. Don’t be disappointed if you see the flowers close on a cloudy day – this is just a normal response.
Keeping in mind the ultimate size of each individual plant, space them at least twenty-four inches apart when used as a mass planted groundcover. As a groundcover, the baby sun rose is very low and easily stays within bounds giving it a clean-cut, groomed appearance. In addition to being just a groundcover, they can also be planted in front of upright plants such as ornamental grasses and African iris to accentuate this colorful tapestry of plants. The baby sun rose is also a popular hanging basket plant. The trailing growth will spill over the edges nicely accommodated by the hanging container. This trailing nature will also be ornamental cascading over walls and in rock gardens. Established in-ground baby sun roses will need little supplemental irrigation- if any – and too much moisture can encourage root rots.
As of this date, the baby sun rose is classified by the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas as “Low Risk for invasion, therefore not considered a problem species at this time” – good news. The baby sun rose is also a suitable plant for coastal gardens due to its good salt tolerance.
This plant’s name – baby sun rose – is so appropriate in regard to its size, color, and display. Available at most garden centers, make the baby sun rose a must-have plant in your future – you will not be disappointed! For more information on types of flowering groundcovers suitable for our area, or to ask a question, please visit https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyExtension. You can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
Graves, K., Wilber, W., Wichman, T., Lewis, C., Hansen, G. & Klein, R. (2025) Mesembryanthemum cordifolium: Baby Sun Rose, Heartleaf Iceplant. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas. (2026). The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Landre, C. (2026) Baby Sun Rose. South-Florida-Plant-Guide.com.
Mesembryanthemum cordifolium (2026) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesembryanthemum_cordifolium.
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