CARISSA MACROCARPA Num-Num – Natal Plum 3L

Description

🌿 Carissa macrocarpa ‘Num-Num’ (Natal Plum) — Growing Conditions
🌞 Light
Thrives in full sun for best flowering and fruiting.
Tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates.
Indoors: place near a bright south- or west-facing window.
🌡️ Temperature
Warm-climate plant; ideal daytime: 20–30 °C (68–86 °F).
Can tolerate short light frost down to ~ −2 °C (28 °F) if well-established.
Protect from prolonged cold and frost in winter.
💧 Watering
Moderate water needs.
Water deeply but allow surface soil to dry between waterings.
Drought tolerant once established.
Avoid prolonged soggy soil — sensitive to root rot.
🌱 Soil
Prefers well-drained soils.
Best in sandy or loamy mixes with good drainage.
pH tolerant: slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (pH ~6.0–7.5).
🌾 Fertilizer
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring and mid-summer.
Supplement with light liquid feed during active growth.
Avoid excess nitrogen (can reduce flowering).
✂️ Pruning
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and density.
Prune out any dead or crossing branches.
Responds well to shaping — ideal for hedges or screens.
🪴 Uses & Landscape
Excellent as hedging, screens, coastal plantings.
Dense evergreen foliage with fragrant white star flowers.
Produces bright red edible fruits (attractive to birds).
⚠️ Notes
Fruits are edible when ripe, but unripe fruit and other plant parts can be mildly toxic if ingested — advise caution with pets and children.
Thorny stems — wear gloves when handling.