Mesembryanthemum 'Harlequin' Seeds

The Livingstone Daisy is a spectacular low-growing annual famous for its dense, succulent, bead-like foliage that acts as a canvas for its dazzling flowers. The 'Harlequin' mix is a carnival of intensely iridescent shades—expect jewel-tones of crimson, magenta, apricot, yellow, and violet.

The petals have a metallic, shimmering quality that seems to trap the sunlight, making them look like a scattering of polished gems across the ground. It is the perfect solution for areas that receive blazing sun and poor soil, creating a lush, flowering mat where other plants would struggle.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Harlequin'

We love this plant for its instant drama and toughness. It thrives where the soil is poorest and the sun is hottest, often seen tumbling down sun-baked rockeries or softening the edges of hot paved paths. Its succulent foliage stores water, making it incredibly drought tolerant.

It is also a fantastic "quick fix" ground cover. It grows quickly to form a dense, low mat, suppressing weeds effectively while providing months of eye-catching, vibrant colour from June until the first autumn frost.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Half-Hardy Annual?

Mesembryanthemum is a Half-Hardy Annual.

It needs warmth to grow and cannot survive frost.
The Sun Worshipper: The flowers have a fascinating mechanism: they open wide only when the sun is shining directly on them. They remain tightly closed on cloudy days or in the evening.
Top Tip: Don't plant out too early! This plant needs warm soil. Start it indoors in heat and plant out only after the last risk of frost has definitely passed.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Livingstone Daisy is easy to grow, provided you give it light and heat.

🌱 Germination:
Sow indoors from March to May. Scatter the tiny seeds thinly over the surface of moist compost. **Do not cover them**—they need light to germinate. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot (18-20°C). Germination is fast, 7-14 days.

Where to Sow:
It demands full sun. Plant in poor, sandy, or gritty soil. Rich soil encourages too many leaves and fewer flowers, so avoid feeding them heavily.

Care While Growing:
Water very sparingly once the plants are established. Treat them like outdoor succulents. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and keep the mat tidy.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Pair this low-growing, vibrant annual with plants that enjoy the same hot, dry conditions:

• ✨ Linum 'Bright Eyes': For a delicate, meadow contrast. The single, airy flax flowers look beautiful rising above the dense, jewel-toned mat of the Livingstone Daisy. Both thrive in dry sun.
• 🧱 French Marigold 'Red Cherry': Create a hot-coloured edging scheme. The bushy Marigolds provide a slightly taller, textural contrast to the flat Mesembryanthemum carpet.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow indoors in spring for flowers the same summer. Needs warmth!

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)