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Carissa macrocarpa (Natal plum )
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1 hour care
per year
per year
3m
Max height
Max height
3m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Carissa macrocarpa
Other names
Natal plum , Carissa grandiflora, Large num-num, Mutton goola
Genus
Carissa Carissa
Species
C. macrocarpa - C. macrocarpa is a tender, branching, spiny, evergreen shrub with ovate, dark green leaves and cymes of fragrant, waxy, white flowers in late spring followed by ovoid, red to purple-black fruit.
Carissa macrocarpa is: Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Branching
Toxicity
Although the fruit flesh is edible, the seeds are poisonous.
Flower
White in Spring; White in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free
Specific pests
Viburnum beetle , Viburnum whitefly Viburnum beetle , Viburnum whitefly
Leaf spot Leaf spot
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 8. Trim hedges after flowering.
Propagation
Sow seed at 15-18C in spring.
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
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Where to grow
Carissa macrocarpa (Natal plum ) will reach a height of 3m and a spread of 3m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Hedging/Screens, Greenhouse, Beds and borders
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered site. Tolerates drought & partial shade. Suitable for use as a hedge. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in bright, filtered light. In growth, water moderately & feed monthly.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Carissa macrocarpa
Other names
Natal plum , Carissa grandiflora, Large num-num, Mutton goola
Genus
Carissa Carissa
Species
C. macrocarpa - C. macrocarpa is a tender, branching, spiny, evergreen shrub with ovate, dark green leaves and cymes of fragrant, waxy, white flowers in late spring followed by ovoid, red to purple-black fruit.
Native to
South Africa
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Branching
Toxicity
Although the fruit flesh is edible, the seeds are poisonous.
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Colour
Flower
White in Spring; White in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free
Specific pests
Viburnum beetle , Viburnum whitefly
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 8. Trim hedges after flowering.
Propagation
Sow seed at 15-18C in spring.
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Carissa macrocarpa (Natal plum ) will reach a height of 3m and a spread of 3m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Hedging/Screens, Greenhouse, Beds and borders
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered site. Tolerates drought & partial shade. Suitable for use as a hedge. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in bright, filtered light. In growth, water moderately & feed monthly.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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