Green Carpet

Green Carpet is a low, spreading form of the natal plum (Carissa macrocarpa) that builds a dense, glossy evergreen mat about 60cm tall and 1.5m wide. It shrugs off salt wind, drought and poor sandy soil, which makes it one of the most reliable groundcovers for coastal and poolside gardens. Sweetly scented white flowers sit against the deep green foliage, followed by red fruit you can eat once it is fully ripe.

Why you'll love it

• A genuinely dense carpet. The foliage packs tightly enough to shade out most weeds once neighbouring plants knit together.
• Coastal toughness. Salt spray, wind, heat, drought and poor soil are all within its range, so it holds its gloss where softer groundcovers scorch.
• Scented flowers, edible fruit. White star flowers carry a sweet perfume through the warm months, and the ripe red fruit that follows is a genuine bonus.
• Poolside ready. The glossy leaves cope with reflected heat and splash, and the low habit never blocks a fence sightline.
• Slow and controlled. It spreads at a measured pace, so it stays a groundcover rather than becoming a maintenance project.

Where it works best

Groundcover and mass planting. Plant 1m apart for full coverage. On a bank or broad bed the repeated gloss reads as one continuous green surface.

Coastal gardens. It handles exposed seaside beds that burn less robust plants, holding colour and density in salt wind and sand.

Borders, edging and poolside. The 60cm height gives real structure along paths and pool surrounds. One caution: the stems carry forked spines, so keep it a step back from narrow path edges where children brush past.

Growing Green Carpet in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the tightest growth and best flowering. It suits tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens and takes light frost only, so in colder districts give it a warm wall or choose something hardier.

Soil. Sandy and poor soils are fine; good drainage matters more than fertility. In heavy soil, mound the bed before planting.

Water and feed. Water deeply once a week through the first summer, then rely on rain except in long dry spells. Feed lightly with a complete fertiliser in spring.

Pruning. Trim wayward stems any time, with gloves on, and shear lightly after the main growth flush to keep the mat tight. It responds well and stays dense.

What to expect when it arrives

Green Carpet is sold three ways: 140mm pots in packs of ten, 200mm pots in packs of six, and single 300mm plants. The packs suit mass planting at 1m spacings, while the 300mm size gives instant structure in a key spot. It is a slow grower, so allow two to three seasons for a planting to knit into full cover.

Plants travel well thanks to the firm, glossy foliage. Orders are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the groundcover range
• Plants for coastal gardens
• Poolside planting ideas
• Plants for mass planting

Common questions

Is the fruit really edible?

Yes, once fully ripe and deep red. Unripe fruit and the foliage are not for eating, so treat it as an ornamental with an occasional sweet bonus rather than a crop.

How far apart should I plant it?

One metre apart in each direction for full groundcover coverage. Closer planting speeds the early effect but adds cost without improving the finished result.

Are the spines a problem?

The forked spines are real, so keep plants back from narrow paths, sandpits and lawn edges where bare legs brush past. On banks and broad beds they are rarely noticed, and they do discourage shortcut foot traffic.

Will it survive frost?

Light frost only. The odd light frost marks the foliage and plants recover, but in districts with regular hard frosts a hardier groundcover is the better choice.