Carpobrotus acinaciformis

Carpobrotus acinaciformis is a sun-lover built for tough conditions — trailing, drought-tolerant and wind-resistant, with spectacular fuchsia blooms from May to October. Perfect for a south-facing windowbox, wall or bank where little else would thrive.

The leaves are wonderfully thick, glaucous and graphic. Nicknamed the "sorcerer's claw" for a reason, the creeping leaves form pincers or claws. Their colour ranges from emerald green to orange depending on exposure, and as the season progresses the tips take on a crimson-red hue.

It is impossible not to think of sunshine and holiday landscapes when looking at the enormous, radiant mauve flowers of Carpobrotus acinaciformis. From May to October it also offers large magenta-mauve flower heads to pollinating insects. They open in the sun and last only a single day, yet the flowering season stretches from May to October. 

If you live in the city — know that Miss Carpo will suffer neither from heat nor pollution — its trailing flowering stems will thrive vigorously in a window box or hanging basket, provided it is given a well-draining substrate and extra strength sun for a good part of the day. She does not appreciate the cold weather, so needs a warm spot indoors to survive the winter frosts.

To brighten your composition, consider the delicate yet vigorous Achillea umbellata, with its thousands of pure white flowers forming a dense, velvety, pale grey cushion.