Mesembryanthemum crystallinum Purple
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Purple Ice Plant / Crystalline Ice Plant
Botanical Name: Mesembryanthemum crystallinum ‘Purple’
Family: Aizoaceae
Origin: Southern Africa (naturalised in parts of coastal Australia)
Plant Type: Annual to short-lived perennial succulent groundcover
Overview
A low, spreading succulent groundcover that thrives in Adelaide’s hot, dry and coastal conditions. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum ‘Purple’ forms a shimmering mat of fleshy leaves covered in tiny reflective bladder cells that sparkle in the sun like frost. From late spring through summer, it produces masses of vibrant purple-magenta daisy-like flowers that open in full sun.
Exceptionally hardy and low maintenance, this ice plant is ideal for coastal gardens, rockeries, verges and waterwise landscapes across South Australia. It handles poor soils, salt-laden winds and reflective heat with ease.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 0.1–0.2 m H × 0.4–0.8 m W (spreading mat-forming habit)
- Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
- Foliage: Thick, succulent leaves in light green to soft blue-green tones with sparkling crystalline texture; may develop red or bronze tints in dry, cool or stressed conditions
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Flowers: Bright purple to magenta daisy-like blooms; late spring–summer
- Fragrance: Not fragrant
- Seasonal Interest: Glittering foliage year-round with bold summer flowering
- Wildlife Value: Attracts pollinating insects such as bees and hoverflies
- Tolerance: Extremely drought tolerant; Excellent heat tolerance; Excellent wind tolerance; Excellent coastal salt tolerance (front-line suitable); Handles reflective heat from paving and gravel; Frost sensitive; may die back in cold winters but often 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 regarded as non-toxic; discourage chewing like most succulents
Where It Works Best
- Sunlight: Full sun (essential for best foliage colour and heavy flowering)
- Soil: Free-draining sandy, gravelly or rocky soils; thrives in poor, coastal limestone soils common across SA
- 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 South Australia, including Adelaide plains and coastal regions
- Soil pH: Highly tolerant — slightly acidic to strongly alkaline soils
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Coastal and seaside gardens for soil stabilisation
- Rockeries and gravel gardens
- Low-maintenance verges and embankments
- Mixed succulent or native dry gardens with Carpobrotus, Eremophila, and Lomandra
- Seasonal filler in sunny pots or borders
Why You Will Love It
A dazzling, low-water groundcover that sparkles in the sun and bursts into vivid purple flowers through summer. Tough, fast-spreading and perfectly suited to Adelaide’s dry, coastal climate, it delivers beauty and resilience with almost no maintenance.