Natal Plum ‘Boxwood Beauty’

Carissa macrocarpa ‘Boxwood Beauty’ Natal Plum

Carissa macrocarpa ‘Boxwood Beauty’ has the tight compact form of a Buxus but with the added bonus of lovely little scented blossoms and attractive fruit. Compact Natal Plum, as it’s also called, looks equally at home sheared into low formal hedges, or left to the natural low and mounding form it takes on. 

The fruit are edible and tasty, but all other parts of this plant are toxic. Watch for the spines if you decide to harvest them. 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.

Growing Natal Plum

• Thrives in well-draining soil, preferably sandy or loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
• Water regularly, especially during dry spells, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Prefers full sun to partial shade, needing at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruiting.
• Tolerates a wide range of temperatures but prefers warmer climates.
• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
• Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11.

Shipping Info

Your plant will be shipped with the roots wrapped in plastic and ready to plant upon arrival. It has been growing in a 1 Gallon container. The plant will be between 6 to 8 inches in height with well-developed roots. Planting guidelines will also be included.