Mesembryanthemum ‘Harlequin’ Seeds

Dorotheanthus bellidiformis ‘Harlequin’ is a Half-Hardy Annual (H2). Originating from the coastal deserts of South Africa, it is a true succulent with water-storing tissues in its leaves, making it one of the most drought-tolerant annuals available to UK gardeners.

The Ice Effect: If you look closely, the leaves are covered in tiny, transparent “water vesicles.” These act like miniature ice crystals, catching the light and giving the plant a beautiful glistening or frosted appearance. They are functional reservoirs that help the plant thrive in intense summer heat.

Solar Tracker: Mesembryanthemum flowers exhibit strong heliotropism. They require direct, bright sunlight to open and will actually track the sun’s path throughout the day. In the UK, they perform most spectacularly during the warmest, brightest hours and will close up tightly if a cloud passes over.

Mesembryanthemum seeds are tiny and dust-like; they require light to germinate, so surface sowing is critical for success.

How to Sow:
Sow indoors from February to April. Scatter the seeds thinly onto the surface of moist, gritty seed compost. Do not cover them with soilsimply press them gently into the surface. Keep the tray at 18-21C in a bright spot. Germination usually takes 7-14 days.

Where to Plant:
Plant out in June once the danger of frost has passed. They demand full sun and exceptionally well-drained soil. They are perfect for rockeries, gravel gardens, path edges, or the top of dry stone walls. If your garden has heavy clay, they are best grown in containers with plenty of added grit.

Ongoing Care:
Do not overwater! This is a true desert plant that hates “wet feet.” Only water during extremely severe, prolonged dry spells. In pots, let the compost dry out almost completely between waterings. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to keep the neon display going until the first autumn frost.

Californian Poppy ‘Golden West’: The Heatwave Duo. Both plants love lean, dry soil and thrive on neglect. The silky orange cups of the Poppy rising above the neon mat of Livingstone Daisies creates a stunning, vibrant display for any hot bank or gravel area.

• Alyssum ‘Royal Carpet’: The Scented Frame. The honey-scented, violet-purple mounds of Alyssum provide a beautiful, solid background that makes the neon pinks and oranges of ‘Harlequin’ truly pop with intensity.

Sow indoors in spring for a heat-tolerant, neon display from June through September.