Boxwood Beauty

Boxwood Beauty is a common plant seen in commercial and city landscapes in hot cities such as Palm Springs and Phoenix.

Despite its dense deep green leaves that look rather tropical, it is surprisingly heat and drought tolerant and very low maintenance.

As an added bonus, its red fruits are edible. Some say they taste similar to cranberries.

Botanical name: Carissa macrocarpa

Other names: Compact natal plum, dwarf natal plum

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Boxwood Beauty is a groundcover that can reach 2 feet tall and 4 feet wide.

Brown, woody stems are thin and grow in different directions. Some varieties have small thorns and some are thornless.

Dense deep green leaves are evergreen. Small tear-drop shaped leaves are tight and compact, adding interesting texture to the garden.

White flowers with five petals when in bloom. May grow year round in the Coachella Valley.

Followed by small red fruits.

Boxwood Beauty is very heat tolerant. Great candidate for adding deep green color and interesting texture to desert gardens.

Can be shaped into a short hedge and garden border for a formal, neat look.

Can be left untrimmed as a low mounding shrub or a filler plant in a container.

Performs well in extreme heat. Provide shade from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaves from getting scorched.

Frost-sensitive. Keep in container and bring indoors in regions with cold winters. Bounces back from frost damage quickly in springtime. Prune severe damage in late winter.

Red fruits are edible and are great for making jams. Seeds may have some toxicity, although the fruit is commonly eaten whole.

Boxwood beauty originates from southern Africa, in areas that enjoy warm weather year round.

Soil: Loose, well-draining soil that is lightly fertile. 

Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to frost for a short period of time. Bring indoors or provide insulation during frost. If frost damage occurs, prune damaged parts for regrowth. Performs well in the heat.

Water: Moderate watering needs. Although drought-tolerant, Boxwood beauty will produce more flowers and look healthier with regular water.

Sun: Full sun. Partial shade is ok in the Palm Springs area but will bloom less.

Pests: Boxwood Beauty has minimal pests. Fungal diseases from root rot, dry rot, and harsh weather conditions.

Signs of overwatering: Squishy texture

Signs of too little water: Shriveling, drying

Signs of too much sun: Burning, scarring, fading color

Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, few blooms

Obtain ripe fruits from Boxwood Beauty, remove its seeds, and plant in moist soil.

How much does Boxwood Beauty cost?

At our nursery, Boxwood Beauty is available for $20 in a 5-gallon container and $75 in a 15-gallon container.

Prices are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on pricing, please contact us. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.

Is Boxwood Beauty drought-tolerant?

Yes, Boxwood Beauty is drought-tolerant, especially once mature. However, it will produce more flowers and look healthier with regular water.

Is Boxwood Beauty edible?

Yes, the red fruits are edible. They are tart and best used for jams.