Ruschia pulvinaris, commonly known as Shrubby Ice Plant, is an evergreen succulent native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, where it thrives in rocky outcrops and arid environments. It is a low-growing plant, typically reaching heights of 0.3 feet (0.09 meters) with a similar width, forming dense mats that can serve as an effective ground cover. The Shrubby Ice Plant has small, fleshy, green leaves that help it conserve water, and it produces vibrant pink and purple flowers that bloom profusely in the spring and summer, adding a splash of color to the garden.

This plant is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor soils with fast drainage, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used in coastal gardens due to its salt tolerance. Ruschia pulvinaris requires full sun to flourish and prefers very low to low water once established, reflecting its adaptation to arid conditions. While it is generally low-maintenance, it is susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils. It is not known for being invasive when grown outside its native range, but as with all non-native plantings, gardeners should monitor its growth and spread.CC BY-SA 4.0