Carpobrotus – Pigface / Ice Plant (Carpobrotus spp.)

Carpobrotus, commonly known as Pigface or Ice Plant, is a tough, sun-loving Australian succulent famous for its vibrant daisy-like flowers and dense, spreading habit. It’s one of the easiest groundcovers to grow, thriving in harsh coastal conditions while adding bold colour and erosion control.

🌱 Why Gardeners Love Carpobrotus

✔ Exceptionally hardy - Thrives in heat, drought, wind, and coastal salt spray.
✔ Brilliant flowers - Produces vivid pink, purple, red, or yellow blooms through the warmer months.
✔ Fast-spreading groundcover - Quickly carpets large areas and suppresses weeds.
✔ Edible fruit - The succulent pigface fruit is a traditional bush tucker food.
✔ Low maintenance - Requires virtually no care once established.

🏡 How to Use Carpobrotus in Your Garden

✅ Coastal gardens - Ideal for beachside areas thanks to its extreme salt tolerance.
✅ Groundcover for large spaces - Quickly covers bare soil and reduces erosion.
✅ Rock gardens and slopes - Cascades beautifully over rocks or embankments.
✅ Waterwise gardens - Perfect for drought-tolerant, low-maintenance designs.

Easy Planting & Care Guide

• Spacing: Plant 40 to 60cm apart for fast, dense groundcover. Adding extra plants ensures quicker coverage and stronger weed suppression.

• Best Planting Time: Can be planted year-round, best season is spring.

• Mulching & Fertilising: This plant thrives naturally and does not require mulching or fertiliser to stay healthy.

❔ FAQs About Carpobrotus

Is Pigface good for erosion control?
Yes, its spreading roots and thick, mat-forming growth make it excellent for stabilising sandy soils and slopes.

Does it handle coastal exposure?
It thrives in salty winds and sandy soils, making it one of the best coastal groundcovers available.

Is the fruit edible?
Yes, the fruit and leaves are edible and traditionally used in bush tucker.

How much water does it need?
Very little, it is extremely drought-tolerant once established.

Will it spread too much?
It spreads quickly, but can be easily trimmed to keep it contained.

🌿 Ready to Transform Your Garden?

Don’t wait, secure your Carpobrotus today and enjoy vibrant colour with almost zero maintenance!