Obviously not the UK but in a similar climate area........and Delosperma cooperi does perfectly well here in the PNW with our cool summers, often gray skies and rainy winters. It just requires fast drainage.

Thanks, floral, that's pretty much what I figured. I'll educate him but he's smitten. He says that he has 'the perfect spot' and I asked him if he's left the country, lol.

He will have fun experimenting, at the very least, and I will relay gardengal's experiences to give him hope.

By all means give it a go if there's a sharp gravelly spot in full sun. But average maximum summer temp in that part of the country is about 68f. It rains regularly and pretty much equally all year round, as much in August as in January. As I say, I don't recall ever seeing this plant growing happily anywhere in the U.K. Campanula might know different from the perspective of East Anglia. But County Durham is not known for its hot dry climate!

In my hot and dry climate and soil with fast drainage Delosperma bloomed incessantly all summer, but didn't survive for longer than one season here. May be what it needs is fast drainage and cool and wet summers. If I was in your friend shoes rhizo, I would try to find for myself if it likes my soil and climate, or not.

I've done some further reading and it seems that some people do grow this in the north of U.K. but do so in containers or special beds of extremely gritty mix and protect it in winter.

Thank you all for your input. He is going to experiment, never fear. Sounds like he's going to gather ingredients for a raised bed and go from there.

I recommend 'Jewel of Desert Grenade'. It was such a happy little cushion of flowers in my succulent bed all summer long. Too bad it didn't survive long.

Hi Floral.

This plant grows for fun down Cornwall. Admittedly generally growing in walls, but flourishing. Purchased one last year when on hols. Planted in a tall 4' high planter and by end of summer was 6"" from bottom, and covered in a mass of purple flowers. Went through this winter well and is already budding up.

I am in Somerset by the way.

Interesting, I don't recall seeing it much in Cornwall. Maybe I was in the wrong places. Or the wrong season. But do you agree it wouldn't be happy in the ground in County Durham? I'm also in Somerset and don't recall seeing it round here. Do the flowers on yours stay open in overcast weather?

Hi Floral.

Yes I agree, County Durham would be too wet, especially planted in the ground. As for the flowers they close in overcast weather, very similar to mesembryanthemum. Attached is a photo of mine from last year.

Impressive!