Variegated Green Carpet Natal Plum

Carissa macrocarpa 'Green Carpet Variegated'

Light

Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)

Water

Low to moderate water once established; water deeply, then let the upper soil dry. Irrigate more frequently during establishment and extreme summer heat.

Size

1-2 ft tall × 3-5 ft wide

Habit

Groundcover – trailing

Toxicity

Toxic — Pets

Description

A low-growing Natal plum with glossy green leaves edged in creamy white, fragrant white flowers, and thorny, spreading branches.

Bloom Time

Spring through fall; sporadic year-round in warm climates

Deciduous / Evergreen

Evergreen

Special Features

Drought Tolerant, Fragrant

Growth Rate

Slow to moderate

Growth Habit

Groundcover – trailing

Mature Size

1-2 ft tall × 3-5 ft wide

Flower Color

White

Foliage Color

Green and cream variegated

Landscape Use

Container / Patio, Foundation Planting, Groundcover

Garden Style

Container / Patio, Hedge / Formal

Soil

Alkaline Tolerant, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained

Companion Plants

Bulbine, Dwarf lantana, Red yucca, Society garlic

Toxic — Pets

Unripe fruit, foliage, and sap toxic if ingested; ripe fruit edible

Care Instructions

Light: Full sun to partial shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is best in Phoenix, especially near heat-reflecting walls.

Water: Low to moderate water once established; water deeply, then let the upper soil dry. Irrigate more frequently during establishment and extreme summer heat.

Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil; tolerates alkaline conditions but performs poorly in waterlogged soil.

Mature size: About 1–2 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide.

Bloom: Primarily spring through fall, with intermittent flowering during warm weather.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen; freezing temperatures may damage foliage and stems.

Growth rate: Slow to moderate.