Mesembryanthemum crystallinium Pink

Ice Plant / Crystalline Ice Plant (Pink)

Botanical Name: Mesembryanthemum crystallinum ‘Pink’
Family: Aizoaceae
Origin: Southern Africa (naturalised in parts of coastal Australia)
Plant Type: Annual to short-lived perennial succulent groundcover

Overview

A sparkling, low-growing succulent groundcover that thrives in Adelaide’s hot, dry, and coastal conditions. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum ‘Pink’ forms a glistening mat of fleshy leaves covered in translucent “ice crystal” cells that shimmer in the sunlight. From late spring through summer, it produces masses of soft pink daisy-like blooms that open fully in bright sun. Exceptionally hardy and low-maintenance, this variety is perfect for coastal gardens, verges, rockeries, and waterwise landscapes across South Australia.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.1–0.2 m H × 0.4–0.8 m W (spreading mat-forming habit)
• Growth Rate: 15-30 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Thick, succulent, light green leaves with glistening “crystalline” surface; may take on reddish or bronze tones in dry or cool conditions
• Flowers: Small pink to soft rose daisy-like blooms in abundance from late spring through summer
  
• Seasonal Interest: Sparkling, icy-textured foliage year-round; vibrant white flowering display during warmer months
• Wildlife Value: Attracts pollinating insects such as native bees and hoverflies; dense mats provide low shelter for beneficial ground-dwelling insects
• Tolerance: Extremely drought and heat tolerant; Excellent salt and wind tolerance (front-line coastal suitable); Handles reflective heat from paving and gravel; Frost sensitive (may die back in cold winters but readily self-seeds)
• Planting Density: Groundcover: 3–5 plants per m² for full coverage; Mass display: 0.3–0.5 m apart for a continuous, low carpet effect
• Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic to cats and dogs; as with all succulents, discourage chewing

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (essential for best foliage colour and heavy flowering)
• Soil: Prefers free-draining sandy or gravelly soils; thrives in poor or coastal limestone soils common across Adelaide and the Fleurieu
• Water Needs: Establishment: light soak 1–2 times/week for 6–8 weeks. Established: very low water needs; deep soak every 2–3 weeks in extreme summer heat; minimal or no water in cooler months
• Maintenance: Virtually maintenance-free; trim or pull back dead foliage after flowering if desired. Mulching not essential but light gravel mulch enhances appearance. Avoid overwatering or rich soils.
• Lifespan: 1–2 years (short-lived perennial/annual) but often self-seeds and naturalises in suitable spots
• Climate Zones: Ideal for temperate, Mediterranean, and coastal SA; thrives across Adelaide plains, Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas, and coastal regions
• Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide pH range—slightly acidic to strongly alkaline; excellent on SA limestone soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Coastal and seaside gardens: vibrant pink contrast against silver and green natives
• Rockeries and gravel gardens: perfect for hot, sunny slopes and banks
• Low-maintenance verges and embankments
• Mixed succulent and native dry gardens with Carpobrotus, Eremophila, and Lomandra
• Seasonal colour filler for waterwise borders or feature pots

Why You Will Love It

A dazzling, sun-loving groundcover that glitters like frost and bursts into soft pink bloom through summer. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum ‘Pink’ thrives in Adelaide’s dry, coastal climate—delivering effortless colour, resilience, and a cooling shimmer to even the harshest garden spots.