Carissa macrocarpa D.18 H.35 cm

La pianta

Carissa macrocarpa – The fragrance of South Africa for stylish gardens and terraces

Carissa macrocarpa, known as Natal plum, is an exceptionally elegant and generous evergreen shrub: its oval, glossy, leathery leaves in deep green are covered with wonderfully fragrant white star-shaped flowers in spring and summer, followed by decorative, edible red berries with a sweet and tangy flavor. A complete ornamental plant, beautiful in every season, hardy, and suitable for both bright interiors and sunny outdoor spaces.

Plant characteristics

• Pot diameter: 18 cm
• Plant height: approximately 35 cm
• Oval, glossy, leathery, deep green evergreen leaves
• Very fragrant white star-shaped flowers in spring and summer
• Decorative, edible red berries in autumn
• Compact, bushy growth habit that is easy to shape
• Suitable for bright interiors, sunny terraces, and sheltered gardens

Care and maintenance

• Light: full sun or bright light – it thrives in sunny positions that encourage abundant flowering and fruiting; it tolerates partial shade, but flowering will be reduced
• Watering: moderate – drought-tolerant once established; allow the substrate to dry out between waterings; avoid waterlogging
• Temperature: ideally between 10°C and 32°C; it tolerates brief light frosts when well established; excellent for Mediterranean and temperate climates
• Substrate: well-draining and rich in organic matter; it also adapts to calcareous soils
• Fertilization: every 3-4 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer for flowering plants
• Pruning: tolerates pruning well; ideal for hedges, borders, and compact topiary forms

Carissa macrocarpa is a three-season plant: fragrant when in bloom, decorative with its red berries, and evergreen for the rest of the year. A highly distinctive shrub that enriches gardens and terraces with authentic, enduring beauty.