flower image : Dew flower

Common name: Dew flower

Genus/species: Drosanthemum bicolor

Family: Aizoaceae

Description: This colorful succulent shrub hails from South Africa, which means it will make itself at home in the warmer climates of the Bay Area. It features fine, hairlike leaves covering slender, tough stems. Starting in early summer, small reddish buds begin populating the perimeter of the stems. Though to the impatient gardener -- that would be me -- the buds seem to take forever to open, the results are worth the wait. Once open, the 1 1/2-inch-wide flowers have masses of electric yellow petals tipped crimson red, all surrounding pure white centers. Once it starts flowering, this plant seems to be having such a good time, it doesn't want to stop. As a bonus, individual flowers last for weeks.

Cultivation: Grow in sharply drained soil in full sun. One does not need to use succulent mix, but it is advisable to mix sand and/or humus with the potting or planting soil. Use slow-release, balanced fertilizer during the growing and blooming season. Hardiness to 35 degrees. Fast growing, low maintenance, heat and drought tolerant. Stem cuttings root easily.

Pests: May be susceptible to aphids during flowering, but in general drosanthemum is a hardy succulent.

Availability: Note that this species of drosanthemum is not the same as D. hispidum. D. bicolor is most easily found as an Annie's Annuals 4-inch pot, whether at your local nursery or online at www.anniesannuals.com. My 4-inch pot yielded blooms the first year.

Comments: Though you may not be able to say its name 10 times quickly or come close to pronouncing its family name, this charming shrub, once seen in person, becomes a must-have plant. With its vibrant yellows bordered in vivid crimson, the flowers almost seem to be on fire, especially when the sun sparkles off their petals. The flowers also present an unexpected twist, something you can surprise your plant friends with. Tell them to run their hands over one of the flowers. Though they look bristly, drosanthemum flowers are one of the softest sensations imaginable. It is yet another example of how intriguing nature can be -- flowers that look like whorls of flames, yet are as soft as a newborn's hair.


by Erle Nickel