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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.

Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.

Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

5 from 2 customers

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking purple daisy like flowers in summer. This NZ native succulent thrives in dry, coastal, and sandy environments, providing year round colour and reliable performance.

From $19.50

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Succulents
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock
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 complexa (Pohuehue) growing as a topiary hedge.
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green...

From$20.63
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...

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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...

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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$16.95
Hedera canariensis growing on a wall with green foliage.
Hedera canariensis

Hedera canariensis, commonly known as Canary Island Ivy, is a vigorous evergreen climber valued for its large, glossy green leaves and rapid growth...

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Leptinella pusilla (Purple Brass Buttons)

Leptinella pusilla is a low growing evergreen groundcover valued for its delicate fern like foliage and ability to form a dense carpet of greenery...

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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
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$11.95
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$9.95
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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
Isotoma fluviatilis plants grow as a ground cover, featuring lush, green foliage and attractive, blue flowers.
Isotoma fluviatilis

Isotoma fluviatilis features small, dark green leaves that give the appearance of a lush, green carpet. The foliage is adorned with masses of small...

From$13.95
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
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Alstroemeria Inca Ice (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria 'Inca Ice' is a compact Peruvian lily admired for its elegant creamy white flowers with soft yellow tones that bloom continuously from...

From$29.95
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...

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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
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Lockwood de Forest' plants trailing over a wall.
Rosmarinus 'Lockwood de Forest' (Creeping Rosemary)

Rosemary 'Lockwood de Forest' is a creeping or prostrate variety of Rosemary that features petite, blue flowers through winter and spring. These are...

From$22.01
A Gardenia radicans shrub looking amazing with lush foliage and white flowers.
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Gardenia radicans is a compact, low-growing shrub prized for its glossy green foliage and intensely fragrant white flowers. Blooming from late spring...

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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
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Rose Flower Carpet Gold

Rose Flower Carpet Gold is a popular ground cover rose that features masses of showy, yellow flowers. Flowering begins in spring and will continue...

From$34.43
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0.51 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$23.04
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Osteospermum 'Ice White'

Osteospermum 'Ice White' is a beautiful flowering perennial admired for its crisp white daisy like blooms with contrasting dark centres. This compact...

From$24.77
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2.5 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$37.44
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3.5 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$48.96
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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
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1.5 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$27.36
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
Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' plants with green foliage and blue flowers growing in a garden bed.
Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' (Bugleweed Plant) is a vigorous evergreen groundcover valued for its large glossy dark green leaves and striking blue flower...

From$18.63
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5 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...

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Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Coprosma, Cupressus, and Disphyma, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Conifer Trees, and Groundcover Plants.

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 Lomandra 'Tanika' and Lomandra Frosty Tops often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass), Hebe 'Waireka', and Koelreuteria paniculata quietly shine in any garden.
–The Plant Company

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