Coppery Mesemb: A Drought-Tolerant Ground Cover for Challenging Landscapes
If you’re battling dry, sandy soil or coastal salt spray and dreaming of colorful ground cover that won’t demand constant watering, the coppery mesemb (Malephora crocea) might catch your eye. This succulent shrub brings a burst of copper-orange blooms to challenging garden spots where many other plants simply give up.
What is Coppery Mesemb?
Coppery mesemb is a low-growing, perennial shrub that forms dense mats of succulent, triangular leaves topped with cheerful daisy-like flowers in shades of bright orange to copper. Originally from South Africa’s Cape region, this hardy plant has found its way into California gardens where it thrives in Mediterranean-like conditions.
As a non-native species, Malephora crocea has naturalized in parts of California, reproducing on its own in the wild. While it’s not currently listed as invasive, gardeners should be aware of its non-native status when making planting decisions.
Where Does It Grow?
In the United States, you’ll find coppery mesemb primarily in California, where the climate closely mimics its native South African home. It’s adapted to USDA hardiness zones 9-11, thriving in areas with mild winters and hot, dry summers.
Garden Appeal and Landscape Role
What makes coppery mesemb appealing to gardeners facing challenging conditions? Here are its standout features:
- Brilliant orange to copper flowers that bloom for extended periods
- Dense, mat-forming growth habit perfect for ground cover
- Excellent erosion control on slopes
- Exceptional drought tolerance once established
- Salt tolerance for coastal gardens
- Low maintenance requirements
This plant works particularly well in xeriscapes, Mediterranean-style gardens, rock gardens, and coastal landscapes where its tough nature and colorful blooms can really shine.
Growing Conditions and Care
Coppery mesemb is refreshingly easy to please once you understand its preferences:
Sunlight: Full sun is essential for the best flowering and compact growth
Soil: Well-draining soil is critical – this plant absolutely cannot tolerate soggy conditions. Sandy or rocky soils work perfectly
Water: Drought tolerant once established, but benefits from occasional deep watering during extreme dry spells. In wetland classification terms, it’s considered Facultative Upland, meaning it typically grows in non-wetland areas
Maintenance: Minimal! Occasional pruning to maintain shape and remove spent flowers will keep it looking tidy
Planting Tips
- Plant in spring after the last frost
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart for ground cover
- Water regularly the first season to establish roots
- Once established, reduce watering significantly
- No fertilizer needed – this plant prefers lean conditions
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
The bright flowers of coppery mesemb do attract bees and other small pollinators, providing some wildlife value in the garden. However, as a non-native species, it doesn’t offer the same ecological benefits as native plants.
Should You Plant It?
Coppery mesemb can be a practical choice for gardeners dealing with challenging conditions like poor soil, drought, or salt exposure. Its low maintenance nature and colorful blooms make it appealing for difficult spots where native alternatives might struggle.
However, before planting, consider exploring native ground covers that might serve similar functions while providing greater ecological benefits. California native alternatives like coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis) or various native ice plants could offer similar drought tolerance while supporting local ecosystems.
If you do choose to grow coppery mesemb, enjoy its resilient nature and vibrant blooms, but plant responsibly and avoid letting it spread into natural areas where it might compete with native vegetation.
