David, I didn't see your post for some reason - you're not in my killfile.

Orange Top

Small but perfectly formed, Nertera granadensis (Bead plant) is a
vibrant and fascinating addition to any room. Orange is the colour of
creativity and optimism, always popular in eras of change, like the
60s. Originating from South America, bead plants have creeping stems
and tiny green leaves which cover the whole surface of a pot, crowned
with fleshy coral coloured berries after flowering. The bead plant
should ideally not be watered from above, but take up water from
below. Nowadays you can get bead plants in yellow, white and cream as
well, and even combinations in the same pot.

Click here for Nertera plant facts

Requires a light well-drained soil in semi-shade and shelter from cold
winds[200]. Plants are intolerant of excessive winter wet[200]. A
prostrate mat-forming plant that forms roots at the nodes of stems, it
grows well in a rock garden in areas where frosts are light and short-
lived[200]. It is almost hardy in Britain, merely covering it with a
pane of glass in the winter is usually ample protection[1]. A very
ornamental plant.

I would have thought Lampeter would be much to wet for it to do well

David Hill
Abacus Nurseries

I really appreciate this information but I looked at other sites there seems
to be disagreement about its hardiness.

I'd like to plant it outside in a well-drained place but couldn't protect it
during (rare) frost spells.

Could I divide it so that I can try some in that place, some indoors and
some in a position where I can cover it with glass when necessary?

Lampeter IS wet (almost all of Wales is wet - but very fertile!). The woman
who said she grew it said it was in a rockery which, presumably, is well
drained.

We're quite excited about this find and don't want to lose it :-)

Thanks again,

Mary