Re: Carissa macrocarpa (aka Natal Plum) & Chufi

At 10:40 PM 5/3/01 +0100, MARK BRENT wrote:
>I've recently been handed another plant of Carissa macrocarpa to 
>supplement the one we have already which, alas, is looking none too 
>cheerful after the winter deluge. I do know this particulular plant is 
>probably right on the edge of our known limits as regards its climatical 
>requirements, although it has flowered & grown well here for the last 
>couple of years. What I'm more keen to know is its soil requirements to 
>help improve the odds of its possible longer term prospects. From what I 
>gather it is cultivated commercially in California as well as being an 
>ornamental commonly found in the mediterranean region whence my plant came 
>(Menorca to be precise). Any information will be much appreciated.

Mark -

My general impression from the specimens of this plant that I have grown is 
that it prefers a 'warm soil'.  While tolerant of heavy clays, it resents 
sodden, cold soils.  It seems to grow best in a mix that has a fair bit of 
sand, gravel, and even some stones, which can help keep the temperature of 
the soil a bit on the warm side.  It also seems to really enjoy the ambient 
heat generated from neighboring paving or walls.  It blooms best in full 
sun, though will take some shade (probably best very exposed under your 
English sun).  It is a wonderful plant but it grows more easily south of us 
(the Calif. SF Bay Area) where there is a larger percentage of really warm 
days.  It also tolerated seaside planting and salty sand.

Near my office is a very old planting in front of an office building.  They 
are in good shape, take a lot of high wind, are completely encircled in 
paving in non-raised openings that contain relatively normal soil.  They 
get shade in the afternoon, but otherwise they are in pretty full sun.

There are various cultivars available, from low to quite tall.  I've seen 
many plantings that were apparently from seed-grown stock, sowing 
tremendous variation.

Regards,
Sean O.



h o r t u l u s   a p t u s     -    'a garden suited to its purpose'
Seán A. O'Hara        fax (707) 667-1173     sean.ohara@groupmail.com
710 Jean Street, Oakland, CA 94610-1459, U.S.A.
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