Oscularia deltoides, commonly known as Deltoid-Leaved Dewplant, is an evergreen succulent or subshrub native to rocky slopes and sandy plains in the Western Cape of South Africa. It typically grows to 30 cm (12 in) high and can spread widely, forming dense mats. The plant features distinctive silver-blue foliage with fat, succulent, three-sided leaves—hence the species name ’deltoides,’ meaning ’triangular.’ The leaf margins are adorned with red teeth, and the stems often exhibit a purple tinge. During spring, Oscularia deltoides produces an abundance of pink, almond-scented flowers that are quite showy and attract pollinators such as butterflies.

This succulent is valued for its drought tolerance, ease of maintenance, and the striking contrast its silver-blue foliage and pink flowers provide in garden settings. It is commonly used in rock gardens, as ground cover, and in containers where it can cascade over edges. It is also suitable for xeriscaping. The Deltoid-Leaved Dewplant thrives in full sun and requires well-draining soil, tolerating a range of soil types from sandy to loamy. It is drought-resistant, needing only low to very low amounts of water once established. While it is a low-maintenance plant, it is sensitive to frost and in colder temperate regions, it requires winter protection or must be grown under glass. Oscularia deltoides has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its ornamental qualities.CC BY-SA 4.0