Carpobrotus edulis

Description

Carpobrotus edulis is a truly fabulous succulent, otherwise known as ‘Hottentot Fig’ or ‘Ice Plant’.  Native to the coastal reguins of South Africa, Carpobrotus can also be found across the Mediterranean and is grown here by lovers of all things exotic.  Although not completely hardy, in milder and coastal areas it can be grown very successfully in a sheltered dry spot.  The leaves are fleshy and range from bright green to glaucous green-blue, they create a wonderful dense and sprawling carpet and look fabulous sprawling over walled edges, rockery or gravel gardens or even containers.  During the hottest months, bold starry flowers form in purple-pink fading to pale yellow.