About
Small, yellow, star-shaped flowers are produced in summer, followed by bunches of small, yellow fruit. A short-lived perennial that can become sub-shrubby in mild areas. It has dark green, deeply-lobed leaves and dark purple stems, both leaves and stems armed with spiny prickles.
About the genus
Solanum can be annuals, perennials, evergreen or deciduous shrubs or twining climbers, with simple or pinnnately lobed leaves and star- or bowl-shaped, 5-lobed flowers with prominent stamens, followed by fleshy fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Sub-tropical
Native toBrazil
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun
PruningCut back in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)