Carpobrotus glaucescens 'Aussie Rambler'

Species

cactus succulent

Coastal Pigface

Carpobrotus glaucescens 'Aussie Rambler'

The Story

Plant Bio

Carpobrotus glaucescens is a prostrate, mat-forming succulent groundcover native to the coastal sand dunes and headlands of eastern Australia. The trailing stems root at the nodes and bear thick, fleshy, gray-green leaves that are triangular in cross-section.

'CAR10' is a selected cultivar marketed under the trademark Aussie Rambler that produces vivid magenta-purple flowers significantly larger than the wild species. It is specifically bred for improved tolerance to heavy clay soils and enhanced frost resistance down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces large, vibrant magenta flowers over a dense, blue-green succulent carpet.

Functions as an effective, fire-retardant groundcover that stabilizes sandy slopes and prevents erosion.

Provides nectar for generalist insect pollinators in dry, coastal, or urban landscapes.

SpeciesCarpobrotus glaucescensBeach Ice Plant

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Cactus Succulent

Height

Width

78"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with well-draining soil, though clay and loam are acceptable.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as its container.
Water moderately to settle the soil, then withhold water until the top few inches dry out.
Space multiple plants up to six feet apart to allow the trailing stems room to spread.

Pro Tip

Avoid pruning heavily into old, leafless woody stems, as these nodes fail to resprout.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in full sun to maintain a compact mat and maximize flowering.
Ensure the soil drains reasonably well to prevent stagnant moisture around the roots.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer sparingly in spring if soil is exceptionally poor.

Don't

Do not overwater, as persistent wet feet will cause root and stem rot.
Do not prune deep into old, bare wood where new buds cannot form.
Do not over-fertilize, which leads to weak, bloated growth at the expense of flowers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverRock GardenErosion ControlCoastal GardenXeriscaping

Companion Plants

Delosperma cooperi Sedum album Agave attenuata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Coastal Pigface questions

What zones can Coastal Pigface grow in?

Coastal Pigface is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Coastal Pigface deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Coastal Pigface, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Coastal Pigface bloom?

Coastal Pigface typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Coastal Pigface need full sun?

Coastal Pigface does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Coastal Pigface drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Coastal Pigface handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.