Carissa macrocarpa - Desert Star
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Mature size: 1-2m tall/wide.
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Recommended spacing for hedging: 50cm-1m apart for a hedge.
- Ideal growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade.
- Growth rate: Moderate.
Uses
Ground cover, ornamental garden, pot/container plant, coastal gardens, low hedges, wildlife gardens.
Noteworthy
Hardy evergreen, drought tolerant, low maintenance, attracts birds and pollinators with fragrant flowers.
Tolerant
Drought, coastal conditions, light frost, poor soils, pruning and shaping.
Colour/Growth form
Dense, glossy dark green leaves with white star-shaped fragrant flowers, followed by red edible fruit. Compact and spreading growth habit, ideal as a low maintenance ground cover or border plant in gardens and coastal landscapes.
What is Carissa macrocarpa?
Carissa macrocarpa, also known as the Desert Star, is a robust South African native plant renowned for its ornamental qualities. Its glossy foliage and fragrant, star-shaped flowers make it an appealing choice for a variety of garden settings. Perfect to attract wildlife and ensure a lush look year-round.
How to Care for Carissa macrocarpa
Carissa macrocarpa thrives in well-drained soil with regular watering until established. This low care plant can flourish in both sunny and partly shaded areas. For optimal growth, apply a slow-release fertiliser during the active growing season.
The Beauty of Glossy Foliage and Starry Flowers
The Desert Star features glossy green leaves and stunning white flowers, attracting birds and pollinators. These blooms add beauty and charm to any landscape, followed by red edible fruits that appeal to local fauna.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Carissa macrocarpa prefers sandy or loamy soils and can tolerate coastal conditions and moderate frost. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, making it suitable for various Australian climates, including arid and coastal regions.
Benefits of Planting Carissa macrocarpa
Carissa macrocarpa 'Desert Star,' also known as 'Natal Plum,' is a charming evergreen shrub that brings beauty and resilience to any garden. Reaching 1-2 meters tall and wide, its compact, bushy form is adorned with glossy green foliage and fragrant, white star-shaped flowers that bloom from spring to summer. This low-maintenance plant thrives in full sun to part shade and is perfect for coastal gardens, borders, or as an informal hedge.
