Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

ice plant ground cover

Ice plant ground cover is an exceptional choice for gardeners across New Zealand seeking a vibrant, low-maintenance solution to dry, sunny spaces. Known for its dense mat of succulent foliage and dazzling flowers, the ice plant (Mesembryanthemum) thrives where other ground cover varieties struggle, providing year-round appeal and erosion control. Whether you're transforming a sloped border, filling gaps in a rock garden, or lining a sunny path, ice plant ground cover offers both practical benefits and playful bursts of colour.

black-polythene-1-m-wide-

Black Polythene - 1 m Wide

Black Polythene - 1 m Wide is a practical plastic sheeting option for garden, nursery, and landscaping applications. The black finish helps block light, making it useful for covering soil and suppressing unwanted plant growth.

From $138.40

Ficus pumila 'Ice Caps' plant with trailling variegated foliage.

Ficus 'Ice Caps'

5 from 1 customers

Ficus 'Ice Caps' is a variety of Creeping Fig that features variegated leaves. It carries small, heart-shaped leaves which are light green with a cream edge. It will easily cover an area of 2 m by 2 m within two years. Ficus 'Ice Caps' is an excellent plant for covering a wall or trellis, and it is commonly used in formal gardens.

From $9.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas, Walls
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Muehlenbeckia axillaris growing as a ground cover.
Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

Muehlenbeckia axillaris, commonly known as Creeping Wire Vine, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover with wiry stems and small, dark green...

From$20.01
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (prostrate Juniper) growing as a tidy ground cover.
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana', commonly known as the Prostrate Juniper, is a ground-hugging conifer that forms a carpet of blue-green, needle-like...

From$65.55
cupressus-blue-ice-4
Cupressus 'Blue Ice' (Blue Arizona Cypress)

Cupressus 'Blue Ice' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its vibrant icy blue foliage and strong upright growth habit. This hardy tree...

From$270.40
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged...

From$17.95
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
Coprosma acerosa growing on a sand dune.
Coprosma acerosa

Coprosma acerosa, also known as Sand Coprosma or Tātaraheke, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover well-suited to exposed and coastal...

From$7.50
Silver leaves and pink flowers on a Stachys byzantina plants in a garden.
Stachys byzantina

Stachys byzantina, commonly known as Lambs Ear, is a low-growing, evergreen perennial valued for its soft, silvery foliage that resembles lambs’...

From$16.95
Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.
Coprosma kirkii

Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy...

From$17.95
Acaena novae-zelandiae colourful foliage.
Acaena novae-zelandiae (Piripiri)

Acaena novae-zelandiae is a hardy NZ native groundcover commonly known as Bidgee Widgee. It is admired for its fine green foliage and small burr like...

From$16.95
leptinella-dioica-
Leptinella dioica

Leptinella dioica (Bachelor Button Plant) is a low growing evergreen groundcover valued for its fine fern like foliage and ability to create a dense...

From$13.95
Hedera canariensis variegata green and cream foliage.
Hedera canariensis Variegata

Hedera canariensis ‘Variegata’ is a striking evergreen climber known for its large, glossy green leaves edged with creamy-white variegation. This...

From$14.95
Chamaemelum nobile plants with white flowers and lush, green foliage.
Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile)

Chamaemelum nobile (Lawn Chamomile, Roman Chamomile) is a low growing evergreen herb valued for its fragrant feathery foliage, delicate daisy like...

From$15.95
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.
Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a clump-forming plant with fine, near black foliage. The foliage is...

From$9.95
Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a dwarf or mini Mondo Grass grown for its delicate, dark green foliage. Flower spikes are borne in summer and bear...

From$9.95
A Gardenia radicans shrub looking amazing with lush foliage and white flowers.
Gardenia radicans

Gardenia radicans is a compact, low-growing shrub prized for its glossy green foliage and intensely fragrant white flowers. Blooming from late spring...

From$18.95
Hedera helix 'Needlepoint' creeping stems with green foliage.
Hedera helix 'Needlepoint'

Hedera helix ‘Needlepoint’ is a refined evergreen ivy featuring small, deeply lobed leaves with a delicate, pointed shape. This compact and elegant...

From$14.95
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga) plants in flower with lush green foliage in a border garden.
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as Rengarenga Lily or New Zealand Rock Lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. It...

From$9.95
Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.
Ophiopogon planiscapus

Ophiopogon planiscapus, commonly known as Dwarf Lilyturf, is a Mondo grass grown for its fine, dark green foliage and short stature. The foliage is...

From$6.95
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
Carex solandri grass in a NZ native planting.
Carex solandri

Carex solandri is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features attractive, dark green foliage. The foliage emerges upright and develops a gentle and...

From$11.50
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra Green Allure

Lomandra Green Allure is widely used in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted as a ground cover or on a bank, included in...

From$19.25
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.5 Litre Plant Pots

0.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young plants, herbs, seedlings, and smaller ornamentals. Their compact size makes them ideal...

From$23.04
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
Black Polythene - 1 m Wide

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Coprosma, Cupressus, and Ficus, or related Categories - Black polythene, Shadecloth & Windbreak, and Conifer Trees.

Search ice plant ground cover

Why Choose Ice Plant Ground Cover?

The ice plant’s popularity comes from its ability to flourish in tough conditions. Its succulent leaves conserve moisture, making it perfect for coastal gardens or drought-prone spots. In summer, the ice plant carpets the ground with a sea of vivid blooms ranging from pink and purple to yellow and white. They close at night and open with the sun, attracting pollinators and brightening the landscape.

Unlike thirsty lawn grasses, ice plant ground cover barely needs watering once established. It suppresses weeds and prevents soil erosion on banks or slopes, all while demanding little upkeep. For gardeners after hardy, visually striking solutions, the Mesembryanthemum Pink Ice (Iceplant) stands out for its brilliance and resilience.

Planting and Looking After Ice Plant Ground Cover

Ice plant ground cover is easy to establish and even easier to care for. Plant cuttings or young plants in well-drained, sandy or gritty soils—clay is best avoided. Space them around 25–30 cm apart to encourage rapid coverage. Choose a full-sun spot to maximise flowering.

Water deeply but infrequently during their first growing season, reducing as plants settle in. Once established, ice plant ground cover thrives on neglect, rarely requiring fertiliser and only occasional trimming to keep growth neat along paths or driveways.

Companion Ground Covers and Interest Plants

While ice plant ground cover looks stunning on its own, it can also be paired with other texture-rich varieties for year-round interest and enhanced performance. Try incorporating Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine) for a contrasting green tangle, or use Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper) to bring blue-green hues and evergreen reliability to mixed borders.

If you love unique foliage, consider combining your ice plant ground cover displays with feature plants like Ficus 'Ice Caps' indoors, or highlight your landscape borders with the stunning silver-blue tones of Cupressus Blue Ice (Blue Arizona Cypress).

Uses and Landscaping Ideas

Ice plant ground cover is a designer’s dream for low-water landscapes, courtyards, sunny slopes, and containers. Use it to edge driveways, create a living mulch under open-branched shrubs, or soften the lines of stone walls. Their resilience suits exposed, coastal, and inland gardens alike. For the best display, mix several shades of ice plant ground cover for a season-long flower show.

Explore our nursery’s selection, including vibrant Mesembryanthemum Pink Ice (Iceplant), and make the most of this dazzling, drought-proof ground cover. With just a little effort, you’ll enjoy a weed-smothering, pollinator-friendly carpet of colour that returns joyfully every year.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
While Photinia 'Red Robin' and Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Fagus 'Dawyck Gold', Hemerocallis 'Siloam Little Girl', and Loropetalum chinense var Rubrum quietly shine in any garden.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

466 Google reviews