Groundcover
Baby Sun Rose
Aptenia cordifolia
Monrovia® varieties
Varieties We Carry
Baby Sun Rose VariegatedAptenia cordifoliaGreen Leaf RedAptenia cordifoliaBaby Sun Rose, RedAptenia cordifoliaMonrovia
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$6.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 15.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun
WaterLow
Mature size6-12 inches × 3+ feet (spreading)
About Baby Sun Rose
Aptenia (Aptenia cordifolia) is a fast-spreading succulent groundcover native to South Africa, bearing small heart-shaped fleshy leaves on trailing stems. Bright magenta daisy-like flowers bloom freely in warm weather, and the plant is widely used to cover slopes and bare ground in tropical and subtropical gardens. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Red, Pink
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
J
F
M
A
M
JNow
J
A
S
O
N
D
This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Baby sun rose requires full sun for best flowering and compact growth in NE Florida. Partial sun reduces bloom density. Its succulent foliage handles Florida's intense summer sun and reflected heat exceptionally well.
Water
Highly drought tolerant once established in NE Florida's sandy soils; water sparingly and allow soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering is the primary cause of decline — this plant thrives on neglect in hot, dry, well-drained spots.
Soil & Fertilizer
Baby sun rose is ideal for NE Florida's sandy, infertile, well-drained soils and does not require fertilization. In richer soils, growth is overly lush and flowering decreases. If desired, apply a light balanced fertilizer once in spring. Excellent for slopes, rock gardens, and coastal areas with salt exposure.
Similar needs
Perennial Peanut
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $6.95Same conditions
Beautyberry
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $7.95Same conditions
Bottlebrush
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $14.95Same conditions
Bulbine Lily
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $6.95Same conditions
Chaste Tree
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $34.95Same conditions
Coastalplain Palafox
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $14.95Same conditions
You may also like
Common questions
Is Baby Sun Rose a good plant for St. Augustine?
Baby Sun Rose is a groundcover for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with medium salt tolerance, reaching 6-12 inches × 3+ feet (spreading).
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.