Name: Baby sunrose
Botanical name: Aptenia cordifolia
Description: A member of the ice plant family, this South African succulent is a good ground cover for the Florida Keys in particular, but also for rock gardens and sunny, sandy soils. Baby sunrose also makes a good candidate for hanging baskets, according to the University of Florida's Cooperative Extension Service.
The aster-like flowers are raspberry colored with yellow centers and they occur from spring through fall. This slow-growing plant flattens itself against the soil as if hunkering down against the elements, which it does, thriving in tough conditions.
Height: 3 to 4 inches
Light: full sun
Culture: Whether the plant is in the ground or in a container, the soil should become nearly dry between waterings. Overwatering will cause the plant to yellow and possibly die. Use slow-release fertilizer three times a year.
The UF Fact Sheet on baby sunrose suggests planting it in front of upright ornamental grasses or African iris for a ''stunning, contrasting'' combination. In hanging baskets or containers, use a commercial potting mix but add about one-third extra Perlite for drainage.
