Natal Plum
Carissa macrocarpa
Apocynaceae · Shrub
Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) is one of the most widely grown shrubs for USDA zones 9-11. It thrives in full sun with low water and low upkeep, making it a dependable choice for home gardeners.
- · Give it full sun and space to reach 3-7 ft.
- · Water at a low rate and let the soil drain freely.
- · Feed in spring and tidy up dead growth to keep it productive.
Serving Ideas
Enjoyed fresh and ripe, grilled or roasted, baked into tarts and cobblers, or preserved as jam.
Recommended: grow and source this plant without synthetic chemicals or pesticides, and rinse thoroughly before eating.
IMPORTANT: please verify food safety independently. Errors and omissions may occur.
At a glance
- Growing zones: 9-11
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: Low
- Maintenance: Low
- Type: Shrub
- Mature size: 3-7 ft tall · 3-8 ft wide
- Bloom season: Spring to summer · White
- Pollinator friendly: Yes
- Container suitable: Yes
- Cold tolerance: Hardy to 20F
- Heat tolerance: Excellent
- Soil: Well-drained, lean soil
- Growth rate: Moderate
Buy Seeds · Amazon
Affiliate link — gardens.net earns a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.