Tomlinson Natal Plum

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Watering can be reduced after establishment. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Pruning time: spring after flowering.

This Natal Plum is perfect for smaller bungalow gardens and anywhere space is limited. Provides low-maintenance, forest-green foliage with highly fragrant flowers and big fruit. A structural component of many landscapes in warm-winter regions. Valuable for the sandy soils along the coast. Usually planted as an informal hedge in narrow or raised planting areas. May be sheared or left in a natural linear mass. Use in irregularly shaped clusters to fill wider planting areas. Drought resistant and takes reflected heat from patios, walks or driveway. Also does equally well in pots on rooftop gardens, balconies and decks.

Plant this tidy little Natal Plum with high-profile color plants such as the mounding Raspberry Ice Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea 'Raspberry Ice'), purple Sea Lavender (Limonium perezii), blue Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus africanus) and exotic Fortnight Lily (Moraea bicolor). Does exceptionally well with the lovely Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha) and pink Alice Du Pont Mandevilla (Mandevilla x amabilis 'Alice du Pont').

The state of Natal is located along the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa. Unlike stifling inland temperatures, this area is cooled by sea breezes. Natal plum's thick leaves help it resist desiccation from these persistent winds. This and its tolerance of poor soils makes Carissa an important plant for coastal communities from Florida to California. The predecessors of this plant were wickedly thorny to protect from browsing wildlife. ' Tomlinson' is less prickly but still formidable.

This plant originates in Natal, South Africa. There it's edible fruit was valued by the Zulu who named it amatungula. Colonials harvested the fruit as well making it a popuar source of jam and jelly enjoyed during afternoon tea.