Green Carpet

Plant Type: groundcover
Plant Height: 1–2 feet
Spread: 4–6 feet
Flower Color: white
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Green Carpet (Carissa macrocarpa): Dense, Low-Growing Evergreen for Year-Round Coverage

Green Carpet (Carissa macrocarpa) is a low-growing, evergreen variety of the Natal Plum, known for its dense, glossy foliage, fragrant star-shaped flowers, and edible red fruit. This durable plant forms a lush, carpet-like mat that works beautifully for groundcover, borders, or spilling over walls in warm climates like Arizona.

Key Features of Green Carpet

• Glossy Green Leaves: Dense foliage forms an attractive, uniform groundcover.
• Fragrant White Flowers: Produces small, star-shaped blooms throughout much of the year.
• Edible Fruit: Small red plums with a sweet-tart flavor follow flowering; fruit is edible when fully ripe.
• Drought & Heat Tolerant: Adapts well to hot, sunny locations once established.
• Low Maintenance: Naturally compact, needing minimal trimming to keep tidy.

Growing and Care Tips

Green Carpet is a tough performer in Arizona landscapes, perfect for low borders or slope coverage.

Soil: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates sandy or rocky ground.
Water: Water regularly during establishment; once mature, needs only occasional deep watering.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring for best growth and flowering.
Pruning: Light trimming maintains shape and encourages denser growth.

Landscaping Uses

• Groundcover: Ideal for covering large open areas or slopes.
• Borders & Edging: Works as a neat, low hedge along walkways or driveways.
• Containers: Great for patio planters or spilling over retaining walls.
• Erosion Control: Dense root system helps stabilize soil.

Summary

Green Carpet is a reliable, attractive evergreen for Arizona landscapes, offering glossy foliage, fragrant flowers, edible fruit, and year-round beauty with minimal upkeep.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Green Carpet

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun for best flowering and fruiting; tolerates partial shade.
Soil: Must be well-draining; amend clay with sand or gravel.
Spacing: Plant 4–6 feet apart for continuous coverage.
Planting Depth: Keep the crown level with the soil surface.
Support: Not needed—plants naturally form a dense mat.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water deeply after planting to settle soil.
• Frequency: Every 3–4 days for the first 2–3 weeks.
• Watering Amount: Apply enough to moisten the soil 6–8 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Typically after 2–3 months with consistent watering and new growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 10–14 days during heat and drought.
• Winter: Water every 4–6 weeks if dry.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Place 1 emitter 12 inches from plant center.
Flow Rate: Use a 1-gallon-per-hour emitter.
Number of Emitters: One per plant; two for larger specimens.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase during extreme summer heat; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Green Carpet:

• Soil Check: Let the top 2–3 inches dry before watering again.
• Avoid Overwatering: Too much moisture can cause root issues.
• Mulch: Use gravel mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.