Skip to content
Log inStart trial

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 9–10Type ShrubClimate Mediterranean
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — glossy foliage is a rich green color

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Shrub
Family
Apocynaceae
Climate
Mediterranean

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

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (134)

Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — preferring full sun to partial shade exposure
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — which are not only visually appealing but also offer a sweet taste, image 44
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — It withstands a variety of soil types; deep red plum-like fruits, image 77
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — shrub for full or half; serving multiple functions with ease and aesthetic appeal
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Hardy and drought-resistant, it thrives in full sun to partial shade; it can be utilized as an ornamental feature, image 91
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Note its sharp thorns, ideal for security planting; it features plum-like fruits, edible when red, and grows 5 to, image 63
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Be cautious when handling; shrub for full or half
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — making it an excellent choice for coastal regions; shrub with white blooms, image 79
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — frequently utilized in culinary applications such as jams and jellies
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — It can be utilized as an ornamental feature; white flowers in the garden
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Be cautious when handling; shrub for full or half, image 75
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — deep red plum-like fruits
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — provided they are well-drained; making it an excellent choice for coastal regions, image 78
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — with some scattered flowering throughout the year.<br><br>These blooms give rise to edible; natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa)
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — serving multiple functions with ease and aesthetic appeal; note its sharp thorns, ideal for security planting
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — It can be utilized as an ornamental feature; white flowers in the garden, image 112
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — Maintain at least 3 feet between plants for optimal growth; glossy foliage is a rich green color
Natal Plum (Carissa Macrocarpa) — The Natal Plum, or Carissa macrocarpa, is a versatile and robust evergreen shrub originating from South Africa
Carissa Macrocarpa
Carissa Macrocarpa
Carissa Macrocarpa
Carissa Macrocarpa
Carissa Macrocarpa
Carissa Macrocarpa
Photographs by 10 contributors

Related plants

Adrift™ Wax Vine (Hoya rosita) — The Hoya rosita is a climbing and trailing houseplant with elongated medium-green leaves edged in deep red

Adrift™ Wax Vine

Hoya rosita

Half
Alice Du Pont Mandevilla (Mandevilla 'Alice Du Pont') — dark green leaves that span 3 to 8 inches in length

Vine

Alice Du Pont Mandevilla

Mandevilla 'Alice Du Pont'

FullUSDA 9–11
Arkansas Amsonia (Amsonia Hubrichtii) — Arkansas Amsonia adds a sophisticated charm to any landscape design

Perennial

Arkansas Amsonia

Amsonia Hubrichtii

FullUSDA 4–9
Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus Physocarpus) — Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus physocarpus) is a striking perennial, reaching up to 6 ft tall, image 82

Shrub

Balloon Milkweed

Gomphocarpus Physocarpus

FullUSDA 8–10
Blue Ice Amsonia (Amsonia Tab. 'Blue Ice') — known for its compact and robust form

Perennial

Blue Ice Amsonia

Amsonia Tab. 'Blue Ice'

FullUSDA 4–9
Blushing Sunset™ Wax Vine (Hoya wibergiae) — The Hoya wibergiae is a trailing houseplant with fleshy

Blushing Sunset™ Wax Vine

Hoya wibergiae

Half