How to Grow Natal Plum

Carissa macrocarpa is a shrub native to tropical and southern Africa. It is commonly known as the Natal plum and, in South Africa, the large num-num. In Zulu, as well as in the Bantu tribes of Uganda, it is called Amathungulu or umThungulu oBomvu. In Afrikaans the fruit is called noem-noem . Also known as the Natal Plum, Carissa macrocarpa is an ornamental plant native to South Africa. This plant is known by some pretty animated names in the local languages, such as large Num-Num in South Africa or Amanthuglu in Zulu. With dark green, closely set, and leathery oval leaves, Carissa macrocarpa boasts a unique and exotic look in gardens.

Green Carpet Natal Plum Desert Horizon Nursery

The Natal Plum tree is a low growing evergreen shrub that blooms for months at a time. The star-shaped white blooms create a lovely contrast to the rich deep green foliage and will bloom longer and more frequently when presented by all day sun. Natal plum ( Carissa macrocarpa or C. grandifolia) blooms mainly in summer, and sporadically all year long so that throughout most of the year you'll have both flowers and pretty little red fruit present on the shrub. The star-like flowers are about 2 inches (5 cm.) in diameter and have thick, waxy petals. Natal Plum is an easy to grow spiny evergreen, perennial shrub with dense leathery green leaves, fragrant white flowers and showy edible red fruits. It is typically small, at 5 to 7 feet tall, but can reach a height of 30 feet. It is a native plant of Kenya, but has been introduced to Florida, Texas, and parts of southeast Asia. Natal plum, or large num-num as it is also known, is a thorny ornamental shrub from the Apocynaceae (dogbane) family. Carissa macrocarpa is a woody evergreen with a dense and rounded growth form and many branches. This plant reaches a maximum height of about 13 feet (3.9m), and nearly as wide.

How to Grow Natal Plum

This lush, fragrant flowering shrub is an evergreen that can bloom throughout the year. While natal plums blossom heavily in the summer and sporadically in the winter, there are year-long flowers and bright, little fruits on this sweet shrub. If you're interested in growing natal plum, let's dig in: Get to Know Natal Plums This shrub has a moderate to fast growth rate and is best planted (or transplanted) in fall or winter. For best results, plant Natal plum in sandy soil that drains well, as this will help naturally deter root rot. Buy Online We cannot currently ship this product to your zip code. Buy Locally No Retailers found within 50 miles of your zipcode Tomlinson Natal Plum, An attractive dwarf evergreen shrub with lustrous, leathery leaves and a compact habit. Small thorns are tucked within the dense foliage - C. macrocarpa, syn. C. grandiflora is a drought tolerant upright rounding shrub of rather loose habit. Prune heavily to shape. Fragrant white flowers with 5 petals. Spring fertilization is recommended. Full sun produces for best growth. results. Excellent for hedging and shaping.

Carissa macrocarpa (Natal Plum)

Dwarf natal plum is an evergreen ground cover that is known for its attractive foliage, flowers, and fruits. This dense, spreading plant will reach a height of only 12 to 18 inches. The natal plum has small, leathery, ovoid leaves that are dark green in color accompanied by sharp, bifurcate (forked) spines about 1 ½ inches long. Carissa; Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) General Plant Information ; Plant Habit: Shrub: Life cycle: Perennial: Sun Requirements: Full Sun Full Sun to Partial Shade: Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 9a -6.7 °C (20 °F) to -3.9 °C (25 °F) Maximum recommended zone: Zone 11: Plant Height: 6 feet to 15 feet: Leaves: Evergreen: Carissa macrocarpa does best in sandy soil and full sun. Natal plum is moderately drought tolerant and capable of dealing with salt spray and saline soils, so adding that touch of formal green to a beach house turns out to be far easier than it could be. For best results, plant Carissa macrocarpa where it will get full sun, and be protected. Info Species macrocarpa (ma-kro-KAR-pa) Info Synonym Carissa grandiflora Sun Exposure Sun to Partial Shade Foliage Evergreen Height 6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m) Spacing 24-36 in. (60-90 cm) Hardiness USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F) USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F) USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F) Danger

Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) My Garden Life

Features Natal Plum is a South African native that adapts well to just about any frost-free climate. The gorgeous glossy foliage and richly fragrant, starry white flowers will make this a garden favorite. Species types of Natal Plum have thorny branches and make great barrier hedges. English. Carissa macrocarpa is a shrub native to South Africa. It is commonly known as the Natal plum and, in South Africa, the large num-num. In Zulu, as well as in the Bantu tribes of Uganda, it is called Amathungulu or umThungulu oBomvu. In Afrikaans the fruit is called noem-noem.