Carissa ‘Desert Star’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its glossy green leaves, fragrant white star-shaped flowers, and vibrant red fruits. Its dense, thorny habit makes it excellent for hedging, screening, or as a feature shrub in sunny gardens. The flowers attract pollinators, while the bright red fruits add seasonal colour and interest. It’s highly drought-tolerant and suitable for coastal or inland gardens in warm climates.
Light requirement: Full sun to part shade
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Watering frequency: Occasional once established; more frequent during establishment
Soil: Well-draining soil; tolerates sandy and coastal soils
Skill level: Beginner
Growth rate: Moderate
Suitable for container gardens: Yes, suitable for large tubs or feature containers
Mature Height: 1–2 m
Mature Width: 1–2 m
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Yes
Frost Tolerant: Light frost tolerant
Wind Tolerant: Excellent; suitable for coastal exposure
Leaf colour: Glossy dark green
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: 3–6 cm long, oval
Flower Colour: White, star-shaped
Flower Shape: Five-petalled, fragrant
Flower Fragrance: Sweet
Flower Season: Spring to summer
Fruit Colour: Bright red
Fruit Shape: Oval, berry-like
Fruit Fragrance: Mild
Fruit Season: Late summer to autumn
Fruit Edibility: Edible; sweet and tangy, used in jams and preserves
Carissa ‘Desert Star’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its glossy green leaves, fragrant white star-shaped flowers, and vibrant red fruits. Its dense, thorny habit makes it excellent for hedging, screening, or as a feature shrub in sunny gardens. The flowers attract pollinators, while the bright red fruits add seasonal colour and interest. It’s highly drought-tolerant and suitable for coastal or inland gardens in warm climates.
Light requirement: Full sun to part shade
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Watering frequency: Occasional once established; more frequent during establishment
Soil: Well-draining soil; tolerates sandy and coastal soils
Skill level: Beginner
Growth rate: Moderate
Suitable for container gardens: Yes, suitable for large tubs or feature containers
Mature Height: 1–2 m
Mature Width: 1–2 m
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Yes
Frost Tolerant: Light frost tolerant
Wind Tolerant: Excellent; suitable for coastal exposure
Leaf colour: Glossy dark green
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: 3–6 cm long, oval
Flower Colour: White, star-shaped
Flower Shape: Five-petalled, fragrant
Flower Fragrance: Sweet
Flower Season: Spring to summer
Fruit Colour: Bright red
Fruit Shape: Oval, berry-like
Fruit Fragrance: Mild
Fruit Season: Late summer to autumn
Fruit Edibility: Edible; sweet and tangy, used in jams and preserves
