Carissa macrocarpa 'Tuttle'
Tuttle Dwarf Natal Plum
Description
This spreading, low-growing sub-shrub will grow about 2'-3' tall and 5' wide. It has small, glossy, dark green, fleshy leaves that densely cover the shrub. Delicate white, star-shaped, fragrant flowers bloom in spring and summer. Oval fruit appear in summer, turning red when ripe. This fruit can be used for jams and jellies. This plant oozes sap when branches are cut or broken and may cause allergenic reactions for some people. Watch out for thorns. This plant tolerates coastal as well as desert areas. It needs little water in coastal areas but more in hot inland valleys. Prune to desired shape.
Plant Type
Shrub, Ground cover
Height Range
1-3'
Flower Color
White
Flower Season
Spring, Summer
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
Red
Fruit Season
Summer
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low, Medium
Growth Rate
Moderate, Slow
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Rich, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
Allergenic, Poisonous, Thorns/Spines
Design Styles
Formal, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish
Accenting Features
Fragrance, Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Location Uses
Entry, Shrub Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Container, Erosion Control, Filler, Hedge, Mass Planting, Fire Resistant
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.