Carpobrotus edulis

Hottentot Fig, Ice Plant

Code	Temp	Category	Description
1	15C+	Indoor	Grow as a houseplant or under heated glass.
2	10 to 15C+	Indoor / Outdoor	Grow indoors, or outdoors in summer in a sheltered spot
3	5 to 10C	Tender	Grow outdoors in summer, and in a heated glasshouse in winter.
4	1 to 5C	Tender	Grow outdoors or under glass without risk of frost.
5	-5 to 1C	Half-Hardy	Hardy in coastal/mild/sheltered areas. Will not tolerate hard/sudden frost. May require winter protection in situ. such as fleece or straw mulch.
6	-10 to -5C	Hardy	May suffer at altitude, central/northerly locations, harsh winters, cold gardens and when grown in pots.
7	-15 to -10C+	Hardy	Will survive most severe winters but may be at risk in central/northerly locations and in pots. Top growth may be destroyed but will usually re-grow.
8	-20 to -15C	Hardy	Will survive severe winter, but may need protection when grown in pots.
9	-20C & Colder	Very Hardy / Hardy	in the severest European climates.

£5.99

Pot Size:

1Ltr

In Production

Pot Size Guide

SKU: 98255068

At a Glance

Colour	Green, Peach, Pink, Yellow
Edible	Edible fruit
Foliage type	Evergreen
Habit	Carpeting, Ground cover, Spreading
Light requirement	Sun
Location	Conservatory plant, Garden plant, Patio plant
Plant Type	Shrub, Succelent
Season of interest	Autumn, Spring, Summer
Soil PH	Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Type	Chalk, Loam, Poor/dry, Sand

Garden Styles for Carpobrotus edulis

Coastal, Contemporary, Desert, Exotic, Mediterranean, Rare plants

Family Aizoaceae
Originating from South Africa

A low-growing succulent with fleshy triangular green leaves
Bright magenta daisy-like flowers bloom from spring to summer
Mostly hardy in southern and coastal areas of the UK, undemanding and easy to grow

Discover Carpobrotus edulis, the ice plant, a low-growing succulent from South Africa, available to purchase at Urban Jungle garden centres. Its unique fleshy triangular leaves shimmer with a frosty sheen. They spread into a dense carpet topped with bright magenta daisy-like flowers. The delightfully vivid blooms appear in profusion from spring into summer. We’ve noticed at our Urban Jungle nurseries how their golden stamens act as a beacon, drawing in pollinators with ease.

The ice plant’s spreading growth quickly covers ground, yet it stays low at 15cm tall while reaching 1m wide in 2–5 years. Additionally, its leaves tolerate salt-laden winds, making it ideal for southern and coastal areas like Suffolk and Norfolk. It may thrive for many seasons but can succumb to harsh winters. Still, its rapid growth and spectacular floral display make it a must-have.

Care Tips for Carpobrotus Edulis Ice Plant

Soil & Sun: Grows in well-drained, sandy soil—full sun is best
Planting: Plant in a sunny spot with good drainage
Watering: Tolerates drought well, minimal care needed
Pruning: Trim back in late summer to control spread if needed

Carpobrotus edulis, the ice plant, adds a splash of color to any garden. Its succulent leaves store water to survive dry spells, ensuring resilience in the coastal climates of Suffolk and Norfolk. Based on our experience at Urban Jungle garden centres, its vivid blooms and low maintenance make it a favorite in our display gardens.

Create an otherworldly, outlandish display of succulent marvels by planting the ice plant around Agave ovatifolia, Agave bracteosa, Aloiampelos striatula, and Aeonium arboreum ‘Atropurpureum’. Its dense carpets of foliage underpin a composition of architectural species while suppressing weed growth as a bonus.

Its floral display en masse is a sight to behold. Try wild combinations with similar daisy-like flowers such as Lampranthus spectabilis ‘Tresco Purple’, Lampranthus spectabilis yellow-flowered, Delosperma sutherlandii, and Erigeron ‘Dunkelst Aller’.

For an in depth read about this fascinating species visit https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Carpobrotus+edulis