Carpobrotus glaucescens: A Tough Native Groundcover with Brilliant Blooms
If you’re after a coastal-hardy, fast-spreading groundcover that delivers vibrant color and ecological value, look no further than Carpobrotus glaucescens. Commonly known as Pigface, this rugged Australian native is beloved for its succulent foliage, vivid daisy-like flowers, and salt-tolerant nature. It’s a reliable choice for binding sandy soils, softening hardscapes, and bringing year-round interest to tough locations.
Common Name: Pigface
Botanical Name: Carpobrotus glaucescens
Plant Type: Evergreen succulent groundcover
Size: Spreads 1–2 metres; 15–20 cm tall
Light: Full sun preferred
Water: Very low once established
Soil: Sandy, free-draining soils
Hardiness: USDA Zones 9–11 (can handle light frost and salt exposure)
Flowering: Spring through summer
What Makes Pigface So Popular?
Coastal & Drought Hardy
This succulent is a true survivor. Native to Australia’s coastal regions, C. glaucescens thrives in dry, sandy soils, tolerates salt-laden winds, and bounces back from harsh conditions. It’s ideal for beachfront gardens, drought-prone regions, and even roadside embankments.
Showy Purple Flowers
From spring through summer, Pigface produces large, daisy-like blooms in bright magenta to purple, often with a yellow centre. These eye-catching flowers open in the sun and attract native pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Erosion Control Champion
Pigface is excellent for stabilising dunes, slopes, and loose soils. Its fleshy, mat-forming stems spread quickly to suppress weeds and prevent erosion, making it a smart, natural solution for difficult sites.
Edible Fruit
The name "Pigface" may not sound appealing, but its fruit is surprisingly sweet and salty—a bush tucker treat traditionally enjoyed by Indigenous Australians. While not a staple crop, the fleshy fruit is safe to sample straight from the plant.
Best Uses in the Garden
Groundcover for coastal or native gardens
Low borders along rockeries, paths, or retaining walls
Erosion control on sloped or sandy sites
Container planting or hanging baskets for cascading effect
Pollinator-friendly gardens with other native plants
Growing & Maintenance Tips
Position: Full sun ensures the best flowering and dense foliage. It tolerates light shade but can become leggy.
Watering: Water during establishment. Once mature, it is extremely drought-tolerant.
Soil: Prefers well-draining, sandy soil. Avoid heavy or clay-rich areas unless raised.
Pruning: Light trimming after flowering keeps it tidy and encourages denser growth.
Fertilising: Rarely needed. A small amount of native-plant fertiliser in spring can boost flowering.
Design Combinations
Pair Carpobrotus glaucescens with:
Westringia (Coastal Rosemary) for texture contrast
Lomandra for upright grassy forms
Scaevola or Leptospermum for complementary blooms
Gravel paths, sandstone boulders, or timber edging for a natural coastal aesthetic
Carpobrotus glaucescens isn’t just tough—it’s beautiful. With its lush, succulent foliage and striking purple blooms, it brings vivid color, erosion control, and low-maintenance resilience to your garden. Whether you’re landscaping a beachfront property, filling in bare ground, or adding interest to rockeries and containers, Pigface is a native hero worth planting.