Carpobrotus – Pigface or Ice plant.
If you are looking for a native ground cover plant, Carpobotrus could be well worth considering. Its a tough, drought tolerant succulent that grows well in tough dry conditions. Good foliage year round and attractive flowers on a low maintenance plant.
Carpobrotus glaucescens is just one of the many varieties of this species that is commonly called or Pigface, they are plants that are useful as a groundcover plant. Not all are as garden friendly as the other, so be a little careful when choosing the species. These are a group of succulent plants and the best of them make great landscaping plants.
Two of the best species are C. edulis and C. rossii
C. edulisis one of the more readily available of the species and makes a good ground cover plant. Coastal Pigface – C. rosii is also known as Native Pigface, a trailing succulent used widely as a ground cover plant in coastal areas, pink flowers in summer and small fleshy fruit that turn yellow when ripe excellent for conservation work.
Carpobrotus glaucescens and Carpobrotus rossii are well known forms. Both prefer full sun and have a low water requirement.
Care
With good drainage and sun these are is a low care plant. Drought tolerant and easy to propagate through root division or from seed.
Plants can be pruned to maintain size and shape as required.
- Position – Full Sun.
- Soil – Well drained.
- Height – To 20cm.
- Frost tolerant and Drought tolerant.
- Suited to coastal conditions.
- Flowering Time – Spring to Autumn.
Other Carpobrotus species include :
- C. aequilaterus (Angled Pigface)
- C. rossii
- C. virescens
- C. modestus (inland pigface)
- C. acinaciformis or Giant pig face is from South Africa as is Carpobrotus edulis (regarded as invasive in some areas)