Carissa Green Carpet Star

Carissa 'Green Carpet Star' is a low-growing, spreading evergreen shrub prized for its dense, glossy foliage and tolerance to drought and coastal conditions. Its compact growth habit and attractive appearance make it an excellent choice for ground cover or as an accent plant in garden beds and containers.

Height and Width

• Height: Typically grows to a height of 30 to 50 centimeters.
• Width: Spreads out to a width of about 1 to 1.5 meters.

Soil Type

• Soil Preference: Carissa 'Green Carpet Star' prefers well-drained soil with a sandy or loamy texture. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. This plant is well-suited to coastal landscapes and is tolerant of salt spray.

Plant Description

• Foliage: The plant features small, oval-shaped, dark green leaves that are densely arranged along the stems, giving it a lush and compact appearance.
• Growth Habit: Carissa 'Green Carpet Star' has a low-growing, spreading growth habit, forming a dense carpet of foliage. It is an excellent choice for filling in gaps between larger plants or for creating a uniform ground cover.

Flower Description

• Flower Colour: In spring to early summer, Carissa 'Green Carpet Star' produces small, white, star-shaped flowers with a delicate fragrance. These flowers are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
• Fruit: Following the flowers, this plant produces small, round, green berries that ripen to a dark purple-black color. While these berries are technically edible, they may be bitter and are not typically consumed by humans.

Cultivation and Care

• Watering: Carissa 'Green Carpet Star' is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional watering during dry periods, particularly in its first year of growth. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer flowers and fruit in lower light conditions.
• Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to remove dead or diseased branches and promote bushier growth. This plant generally requires minimal pruning due to its low, spreading habit.
• Fertilising: Carissa 'Green Carpet Star' does not typically require heavy fertilisation. A balanced fertiliser applied in spring can help promote healthy growth and flowering.

Additional Notes

• Pests and Diseases: Carissa 'Green Carpet Star' is relatively pest and disease-resistant, particularly when grown in well-drained soil and provided with adequate sunlight and air circulation. However, it may occasionally be susceptible to scale insects or fungal diseases if conditions are unfavorable.
• Uses: Ideal for use as a ground cover, border plant, or accent plant in gardens, parks, or coastal landscapes. Its low-maintenance nature and attractive foliage make it a popular choice for adding greenery and texture to various landscape settings.

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