Redflush: A Vibrant Ground Cover for Water-Wise Gardens
Looking for a splash of fiery color that can handle tough growing conditions? Meet redflush (Lampranthus coccineus), a eye-catching succulent that brings blazing red-orange blooms to gardens across California. This hardy perennial might just be the drought-tolerant ground cover you’ve been searching for.
What is Redflush?
Redflush is a low-growing, mat-forming succulent that belongs to the ice plant family. Also known by its synonym Mesembryanthemum coccineum, this perennial forb creates dense carpets of fleshy, triangular leaves topped with brilliant daisy-like flowers. Originally hailing from South Africa’s Cape region, redflush has found a comfortable home in California’s Mediterranean climate.
As a non-native species that has naturalized in California, redflush reproduces on its own in the wild. While it’s established itself successfully in the Golden State, it’s worth considering native alternatives that can provide similar benefits to local ecosystems.
Why Gardeners Love (and Sometimes Hesitate About) Redflush
There’s plenty to appreciate about this vibrant ground cover:
- Stunning visual impact: Those brilliant red-orange flowers create a carpet of color that’s hard to ignore
- Drought champion: Once established, redflush laughs in the face of dry conditions
- Low maintenance: Perfect for gardeners who want maximum impact with minimal fuss
- Pollinator magnet: Bees and other beneficial insects flock to the nectar-rich blooms
- Versatile performer: Works beautifully in rock gardens, slopes, and Mediterranean-style landscapes
However, since redflush isn’t native to North America, some gardeners prefer to choose indigenous alternatives that better support local wildlife and ecosystems. Native California options like desert marigold or brittlebush can provide similar drought tolerance and colorful displays while benefiting native pollinators and birds.
Perfect Spots for Redflush
Redflush shines brightest in:
- Mediterranean and xeriscape gardens
- Rock gardens and succulent displays
- Slopes that need erosion control
- Coastal gardens where salt tolerance matters
- Areas where you want year-round interest with seasonal color bursts
Growing Redflush Successfully
Climate Considerations: Redflush thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, making it well-suited to California’s coastal and inland valleys. It can handle light frosts but prefers mild winter conditions.
Location and Soil: Give your redflush a sunny spot with excellent drainage. This succulent absolutely despises wet feet, so avoid heavy clay soils or areas that stay moist. Sandy or gravelly soils are ideal, and raised beds work wonderfully if your native soil doesn’t drain well.
Watering Wisdom: While young plants need regular water to establish, mature redflush is remarkably drought tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently during the growing season, and cut back significantly in winter. Overwatering is the fastest way to kill this otherwise tough plant.
Care and Maintenance Tips
- Pruning: Lightly trim after the main flowering period to encourage fresh growth and maintain shape
- Fertilizing: Generally unnecessary in most soils; too much fertility can actually reduce flowering
- Pest issues: Rarely bothered by pests, though watch for aphids during spring growth
- Winter care: In borderline zones, protect from hard freezes with frost cloth
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re leaning toward native options that offer similar benefits, consider these California natives:
- Desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata) – bright yellow daisy-like flowers
- Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) – cheerful yellow blooms and silver foliage
- California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) – iconic orange blooms and drought tolerance
- Coreopsis species – long-blooming yellow flowers beloved by pollinators
The Bottom Line
Redflush offers undeniable beauty and practicality for water-wise gardens in California. Its brilliant blooms, tough-as-nails nature, and ability to attract pollinators make it an appealing choice for many gardeners. While it’s not native to the region, it can be a responsible choice in appropriate settings, especially when combined with native plants.
Whether you choose redflush or opt for native alternatives, the key is creating a garden that works with your local climate while providing beauty and habitat. In California’s Mediterranean climate, there’s room for both thoughtfully chosen non-natives and indigenous treasures in creating vibrant, sustainable landscapes.
