African Carpetweed Plant Care

African Carpetweed (Limeum africanum) belongs to the Limeaceae family within the Limeum genus. African Carpetweed is native to Southern Africa.

African Carpetweed displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. African Carpetweed produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African Carpetweed every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

African Carpetweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Limeum africanum tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. African Carpetweed prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for African Carpetweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African Carpetweed every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African Carpetweed is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

African Carpetweed can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune African Carpetweed while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

African Carpetweed is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African Carpetweed can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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African Carpetweed is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

African Carpetweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. African Carpetweed is native to Southern Africa. In cooler regions, grow African Carpetweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.