Natal Plum

Carissa Macrocarpa

Design with this plant

Overview

Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) is an evergreen shrub, prized for its glossy foliage and star-shaped white blossoms that exude a sweet fragrance. It features plum-like fruits, edible when red, and grows 5 to 7 feet tall with a similar spread. Hardy and drought-resistant, it thrives in full sun to partial shade. Note its sharp thorns, ideal for security planting. USDA zones 9-11. Maintain at least 3 feet between plants for optimal growth.

Sun Full, HalfWater LowZones 9–10Climate Mediterranean

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Note its sharp thorns, ideal for security planting

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — but under optimal conditions can extend to a maximum of 10 feet

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — This compelling addition to any landscape typically reaches a height and spread of 3 to 7 feet

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) is an evergreen shrub

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — prized for its glossy foliage and star-shaped white blossoms that exude a sweet fragrance

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Hardy and drought-resistant, it thrives in full sun to partial shade

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — The Natal Plum, or Carissa macrocarpa, is a versatile and robust evergreen shrub originating from South Africa

Culture

Sun: Full, Half
Water: Low
USDA zones: 9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Apocynaceae
Climate: Mediterranean

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (114)

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — It features plum-like fruits, edible when red, and grows 5 to 7 feet tall with a similar spread

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — but under optimal conditions can extend to a maximum of 10 feet

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — This compelling addition to any landscape typically reaches a height and spread of 3 to 7 feet

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) is an evergreen shrub

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — prized for its glossy foliage and star-shaped white blossoms that exude a sweet fragrance

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Hardy and drought-resistant, it thrives in full sun to partial shade

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — The Natal Plum, or Carissa macrocarpa, is a versatile and robust evergreen shrub originating from South Africa

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Note its sharp thorns, ideal for security planting

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Maintain at least 3 feet between plants for optimal growth

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — deep red plum-like fruits

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — frequently utilized in culinary applications such as jams and jellies

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — which are not only visually appealing but also offer a sweet taste

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — with some scattered flowering throughout the year.<br><br>These blooms give rise to edible

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — which bloom prolifically from late spring to late summer

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — glossy foliage is a rich green color

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — providing a lush backdrop for its star-shaped

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — provided they are well-drained

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — making it an excellent choice for coastal regions

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — It withstands a variety of soil types

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Be cautious when handling

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — preferring full sun to partial shade exposure

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — making it low-maintenance and a resilient option for busy gardeners

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — serving multiple functions with ease and aesthetic appeal

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — It can be utilized as an ornamental feature

Related plants

Variegated Periwinkle (Vinca Major 'Variegata') — it flourishes in partial to full shade

Variegated Periwinkle

Vinca Major 'Variegata'

Deep Shade · Zones 4–10

Quinquenervia Wax Vine (Hoya quinquenervia) — sweetly scented yellow flower clusters

Quinquenervia Wax Vine

Hoya quinquenervia

Half

Dappled Forest™ Wax Vine (Hoya hybrid) — Proven Winners - Endless Cascades® Dappled Forest™ - Wax Vine - Hoya hybrid plant details

Dappled Forest™ Wax Vine

Hoya hybrid

Half

Frangipani (Plumeria Acuminata 'Pink') — is an evergreen tropical shrub known for fragrant

Frangipani

Plumeria Acuminata 'Pink'

Full · Zones 10–10

Blushing Sunset™ Wax Vine (Hoya wibergiae) — The Hoya wibergiae is a trailing houseplant with fleshy

Blushing Sunset™ Wax Vine

Hoya wibergiae

Half

Yellow Dwarf Periwinkle (Vinca Minor 'Illumination') — Vinca minor 'Illumination', a vibrant groundcover, showcases striking golden-yellow leaves edged in green

Yellow Dwarf Periwinkle

Vinca Minor 'Illumination'

Deep Shade · Zones 4–9