Tomlinson Natal Plum
Carissa macrocarpa 'Tomlinson'
SKU
02281
An attractive dwarf evergreen shrub with lustrous, leathery leaves and a compact habit. Small thorns are tucked within the dense foliage - an improvement over thornier varieties. Fragrant white flowers produce edible, wine-red fruit. Excellent for foundation or hedge plantings, or for use as a container specimen.
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Full sun
Water regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat.
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| Botanical Pronunciation | kar-ISS-uh ma-kro-KAR-puh |
|---|---|
| Lore | 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 popular source of jam and jelly enjoyed during afternoon tea. Enjoy fresh, in preserves, or baked in pies. |
| Average Size at Maturity | Slowly reaches 2 to 3 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide. |
| Bloom Time | Blooms intermittently spring through fall; heaviest in spring. |
| Design Ideas | 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. |
| Deciduous/ Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flower Attribute | Fragrant, Long Bloom Season |
| Flower Color | White |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Garden Style | Contemporary, Tropical |
| Growth Habit | Round |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Landscape Use | Barrier, Border, Firescaping/Firewise, Hedge, Mass Planting, Coastal Exposure |
| Light Needs | Full sun |
| Soil Needs | Tree & Shrub Food |
| Special Feature | Easy Care, Edible, Showy Fruit, Tolerates Alkaline Soil, Tolerates Poor Soils, Waterwise, Year-round Interest, Compact Form |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Watering Needs | Water regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. |
| Companion Plants | Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia); Loropetalum (Loropetalum); Dietes (African Iris); Shrub Rose (Rosa); Bottlebrush (Callistemon) |
Adaptable to a wide range of soils, given ample drainage. Water deeply, regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established, reduce frequency; tolerates periodic drought. Apply fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Prune to shape in spring after initial bloom.
This Plant's Growing Zones: 10-11
Your USDA Cold Hardiness Zone:
Your climate may be too cold for this plant