D. cooperi is the most commonly commercially available species and grows naturally at higher altitudes in central southern Africa. It thrives in sun and shade.

Another coastal species is D. stenandrum, which has bright pink flowers, attractive hairy leaves and thrives in gardens away from the coast.

D. lebomboense, also a mat-forming species, has white flowers, flat leaves and prefers shade. Similar species that fare well as groundcovers in shade are D. tradescantioides with deep pink flowers, D. jansei with white flowers and hairy leaves, D. pallidum and D. velutinum with white or pale pink flowers. D. rogersii, also mat-forming, has yellow flowers.

D. dyeri var. laxum described by Louisa Bolus from Tarkastad is considered as the most splendid taxon in the genus.

D. floribundum, from the flats near Kroonstad, is one of the most attractive species and in season can turn the landscape pink when in flower. It grows in disturbed sandy spots, produces large flowers and large quantities of seed and has vast potential as a garden plant.

D. macrostigma occurs in the southern Cape near Swellendam and forms upright clumps with pale pink flowers.