Ruschia maxima is a robust and sprawling succulent groundcover celebrated for its vigorous growth, fleshy leaves, and profusion of vibrant, often pink or purple, daisy-like flowers. This hardy plant is a popular choice for covering large areas, suppressing weeds, and adding a burst of color to landscapes and rock gardens.
 
Key Features of Ruschia maxima
Vigorous, Sprawling Growth: Exhibits a fast-growing, spreading habit, forming a dense mat.
Fleshy, Cylindrical Leaves: The leaves are typically small, cylindrical or slightly triangular, and fleshy.
Abundant Daisy-like Flowers: Produces numerous small, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or occasionally white, often covering the plant during its blooming period.
Extended Blooming Period: Can have a relatively long flowering season, providing extended color.
Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
Evergreen Foliage: Retains its green foliage throughout the year in many climates.
Soil Stabilizer: Its dense root system can help stabilize soil on slopes and banks.
 
Care for Your Ruschia maxima
Light: Thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
Soil: Prefers well-draining soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
Watering: Water regularly when establishing. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering.
Temperature: Generally hardy in mild to warm climates. It can tolerate light frost but may be damaged by prolonged freezing temperatures.
Humidity: Adapts well to a range of humidity levels.
 
Maintenance for a Thriving Plant
Trimming: Can be trimmed to control its spread and maintain a desired shape or size. Pruning after flowering can help encourage bushier growth.
Weed Control: While it can suppress weeds, some initial weeding may be necessary until the groundcover is fully established.
Fertilizing: Generally does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can be beneficial in poor soils.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to most common pests and diseases.
 
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Groundcover
Stem Cuttings: Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take cuttings a few inches long, allow the cut ends to callus for a day or two, and then plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots establish.
Division: Mature plants can be divided in spring or fall. Carefully dig up a section of the plant and separate the rooted stems before replanting.
Seeds: Can be propagated from seeds, although this method can be slower and may not always produce plants identical to the parent.
 
Ruschia maxima is a reliable and attractive groundcover option, valued for its rapid spread, drought tolerance, and vibrant floral displays. Its ease of propagation and low maintenance requirements make it a practical and visually appealing choice for various landscaping applications.
 
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide.  Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.