The ice herb (Latin: Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) is only considered to be partially hardy. It tolerates frost moderately, down to around -5 °C or -10 °C. Therefore, it should only overwinter outside in a mild area, ideally well protected from frost.
How can you get the iceweed over the winter?
In order for the iceweed to overwinter successfully, it should be kept in a frost-free environment or protected outside in mild areas. Moderate frost down to -5 °C or -10 °C is tolerable, alternatively cuttings can be overwintered or resown in spring.
Mesembryanthemum can also be kept as a houseplant, then overwintering is unnecessary. The ice herb is also a tasty salad or vegetable plant. As such, it thrives best in the garden.
If overwintering is not possible or is very difficult, then you can alternatively overwinter cuttings or sow the iceweed again next spring. It is often even traded as an annual plant.
The most important things in brief:
- moderately hardy to around – 5 °C or – 10 °C
- Winter outside only protected
- ideal: frost-free winter quarters
- alternatively: overwinter the cuttings or sow them again in spring
Tip
If you don't live in a mild area, it's better to overwinter your iceweed in a frost-free winter quarters.
