'Natal Plum, Carissa'
FAMILY: Carissa
USES: Strong flower display and a great accent plant with its swollen stems and contorted shapes. Does well as an accent shrub, hedge, container plant, in focal points, entrance areas, roof gardens and rock gardens.
SIZE: Grows 1 – 1.5m tall with a 2m spread at a rate of 15 – 20 cm p/a.
LOCATION: Full sun and reflected heat. Does well in most locations. Sap my cause dermatitis to those with sensitive skin.
SOIL: Best in an organically enriched fertile soil with a pH 6.6 – 7.5, neutral. Will show leaf chlorosis if soil is too alkaline.
FERTILISER: Apply a slow release 10:20:10 NPK with additional Mg and Mn annually in spring together with Fe sulphate if soil becomes too alkaline.
WATER: Keep soil just moist enough to avoid stems shrivelling. Drought tolerant for short periods only for best appearance. Does not accept over irrigation or waterlogging.
Wahat Al Sahraa Nurseries, Al Amardi St., Al Khawaneej, P.O. Box 37579, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
