Enhance your garden with the healthy Variegated Natal Plum Plant (Carissa macrocarpa 'Variegata'). Grown and shipped by our trusted partner seller, Keyfarm Wayanad, this premium live plant is carefully selected for its high quality and robust growth habit. It is ready to establish and thrive in your landscape.
Carissa macrocarpa 'Variegata', commonly known as Variegated Natal Plum, is an exquisite evergreen shrub renowned for its striking ornamental foliage and delectable fruit. Native to coastal regions of South Africa, this hardy plant features glossy, leathery leaves beautifully edged in creamy white, providing year-round visual interest. Its star-shaped white flowers emit a fragrant jasmine-like scent, later developing into vibrant, plum-shaped red berries that are both delicious and rich in Vitamin C. This unique variegated form adds exceptional aesthetic value to any garden or patio.
🌟 Overview
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Botanical Name: Carissa macrocarpa 'Variegata'
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Common Name: Variegated Natal Plum, Large Num-Num
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Plant Type: Evergreen Shrub
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Fruit: Edible, plum-shaped, red berries
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Foliage: Variegated, green with creamy-white margins
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Care Level: Moderate
☀️ Light Requirements
- Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
- For best fruiting and foliage variegation, provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
💧 Water Requirements
- Prefers consistently moist soil but is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
📏 Size & Growth
- Typically grows 2-5 meters tall and wide, but can be kept smaller with pruning.
- Moderate growth rate.
- Can be pruned into hedges, espaliers, or kept as a container plant.
🌍 Origin & Characteristics
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Origin: Coastal regions of South Africa.
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Characteristics: A robust, salt-tolerant plant with thorny branches, fragrant white flowers, and attractive variegated foliage. The tart, cranberry-like fruits are excellent for jams, jellies, and fresh consumption.
📇 Toxicity & Safety Warning
The ripe fruits are edible and safe for human consumption. However, all other parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, and unripe fruit, contain a milky latex that is considered mildly toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of pets and young children, and wear gloves when pruning to avoid skin irritation from the sap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Variegated Natal Plum be grown indoors?
A: While primarily an outdoor plant, it can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny location with good air circulation, especially in cooler climates.
Q: When does the Variegated Natal Plum bear fruit?
A: This plant can produce fruit year-round in warm climates, with peak production often occurring in summer and fall.
Q: Is the Variegated Natal Plum thorny?
A: Yes, it has sharp, Y-shaped thorns along its branches, making it an excellent barrier plant. Exercise caution when handling.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take for this fruit plant to bear fruit?
A: Since this is a premium grafted/sapling variety from Keyfarm Wayanad, it typically begins to bear fruit within 1 to 2 years of planting under proper care.
Q: What are the sunlight requirements for this fruit plant?
A: This plant thrives in outdoor conditions and requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) for optimal growth and fruit production.
Q: How often should I water this plant?
A: Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, allowing the top soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
