Red Spike Ice Plant. Cephalophyllum speciosum, Fig - Marigold or Ice Plant Family ( Aizoaceae ), Red Spike Ice Plant. We wish to thank Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for some of the information on this page. We share images and information with Wikipedia. Cephalophyllum speciosum are creeping, with distinct internodes from which roots may arise. Leaf pairs are slightly fused at the base. Leaves are smooth-textured, bluish green, fleshy (succulent), soft and usually covered with a thick, waxy bloom that is easily rubbed off. Their showy flowers are red to magenta and occur singly. Red Spike Ice Plant belongs to the genus, Cephalophyllum, which consists of a group of 30 or so species of mesemb from southwestern South Africa. They need a lot of sun, but in very hot climates like Phoenix, in summer, they will need a little shade and regular light watering for a part of the day in order to survive the summer. Quick Notes: Height: Height about 5 inches. Spreading about 18 inches. Flowers: About 1 inch red to magenta. Flowering Time: Mid March - April. Then occasionally during the late summer. Leaves: Evergreen, usually green, blue-green and fleshy. Opposite and slightly united basally, semi-hemispherical to cylindrical, smooth 1.5" long. Found: Ice Plant is native to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. We see it throughout lower elevations in Arizona as a landscape plant. Hardiness: USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 �C (30 �F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 �C (35 �F) USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 �C (40 �F) Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) 7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline) Sun Exposure: Full Sun. Partial shade. Elevation: 0 to 2,900 feet In Arizona. In its native habitats, it is usually between 1,800 to 2,300 feet. Habitat: Well-drained, sandy, poor to moderately fertile soils. A Xeriscape Landscape plant. Miscellaneous: Photos Taken; October 11, 2006. Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Near Superior, Arizona. An ideal xeriscape landscape plant at low elevations in Arizona.