Carissa Desert Star

Description:
Carissa 'Desert Star', commonly known as Desert Star, is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, dark green foliage and fragrant, star-shaped white flowers. This hardy and drought-tolerant plant is ideal for low-maintenance gardens, borders, and container plantings. Its dense growth and rounded form make it an excellent choice for hedging or ground cover in both coastal and inland gardens.

Flowers:
In spring and summer, 'Desert Star' produces small, white, star-shaped flowers with a delightful fragrance. These blooms appear intermittently throughout the year, especially in warm climates, attracting bees and other pollinators to the garden.

Foliage:
The plant features small, leathery, dark green leaves that are glossy and dense, creating a lush appearance year-round. The foliage remains vibrant even in hot, dry conditions, making it perfect for xeriscaping.

Fruit:
Occasionally, 'Desert Star' may produce small, oval, red fruit that matures to black. These berries are primarily ornamental but can attract birds to the garden.

Form and Size:
This shrub has a naturally compact, rounded growth habit, reaching a height of about 0.5 to 1 meter and a spread of approximately 1 meter. Its dense form and low height make it ideal for borders, small hedges, or ground cover.

Growing Conditions:
Desert Star thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy and well-draining clay soils. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. This variety also tolerates coastal conditions and is resistant to salt spray, making it suitable for seaside gardens.

Uses:
This versatile plant is perfect for low-maintenance landscapes, borders, rock gardens, and container plantings. It also works well as a low hedge or ground cover in dry, sunny locations. The fragrant flowers and attractive foliage make it a great addition to Mediterranean-style and coastal gardens.

Maintenance:
This variety is low-maintenance and easy to care for. Light pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourage dense growth. Fertilize with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy foliage and blooms. It is generally pest and disease-resistant.

Notes:
Desert Star is valued for its drought tolerance, compact form, and fragrant flowers. Its resilience and adaptability make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to create water-wise, low-maintenance gardens.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with other drought-tolerant plants like Lavender, Westringia, and Grevillea. It also complements ornamental grasses and succulents for a cohesive, water-wise garden design.

Common Name: Desert Star
Botanical Name: Carissa 'Desert Star'
Family: Apocynaceae
Origin: South Africa

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