Natal plum Plant Care

Natal plum (Carissa haematocarpa) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Carissa genus. Natal plum is native to the dry savanna regions of southern Africa, including southern Namibia and the Cape Provinces of South Africa. Natal plum is also known as Wild plum, Amatungulu.

Natal plum displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Natal plum produces small, star-shaped white flowers with a sweet fragrance.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Natal plum every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Natal plum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Carissa haematocarpa tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Natal plum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Natal plum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Natal plum every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Natal plum is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Natal plum can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Natal plum while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Natal plum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Natal plum can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to natal plum plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Natal plum is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Natal plum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Natal plum is native to the dry savanna regions of southern Africa, including southern Namibia and the Cape Provinces of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Natal plum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.