The red apple ground cover (Aptenia cordifolia) is a creeping, mat-forming perennial also known as the baby sun rose. Originally from South Africa, this charming succulent now thrives in the warm-weather climates of U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. With its glossy, dark green leaves and long-blooming, reddish-purple, daisy-like flowers, the red apple ground cover makes a spectacular landscaping plant just as long as you provide it with the proper care. 1 Grow red apple ground cover only in areas where the nighttime temperatures don't drop beneath 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant loves hot weather and experiencing cold temperatures for several consecutive nights turns the foliage yellow. Heavy frosts also cause the stems to suffer dieback. 2 Plant your red apple ground cover in full sun to partially shady locations away from heavy foot traffic. Despite being thick and somewhat flexible, the succulent stems snap quite easily. 3 Select planting locations with rich, loamy or rocky soils for optimal health and growth. Red apple plants prefer fertile, dry soils with good drainage and soil pH levels ranging from 7.9 to 8.5. 4 Space multiple plants 18 to 36 inches apart. This allows for ample airflow and reduces the risk of fungal diseases such as root rot. 5 Allow the soil surrounding your red apple plant to thoroughly dry between waterings. Saturate just the top 5 to 6 inches of soil with a garden hose when watering is needed. Red apple ground covers remain smaller and manageable in dryer soils, but grow aggressively and can quickly become invasive when grown in moist soil conditions.