About

Carpobrotus edulis is a perennial, sprawling shrub characterized by its succulent stems that can extend to create mats reaching over 3 meters in length. The leaves are fleshy and curved, with a triangular cross-section, growing up to approximately 15 centimeters in length. It produces solitary yellow flowers, which transition to pink and can measure up to 15 centimeters in diameter. These blooms may give way to yellow, fig-like fruits.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Matforming, Trailing
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Native to
S Africa (Cape)

Care notes

Cultivation
This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act as an invasive non-native species. Although not banned from sale, it is an offence to plant or cause these to grow in the wild IN ENGLAND WALES, NORTHERN IRELAND and the REPUBLIC OF IRELAND. Gardeners possessing them should undertake measures to control them. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information
Propagation
Please see cultivation notes
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free