About
This climbing shrub with semi-evergreen, ovate, variegated leaves. Flowers, borne in large clusters from summer into autumn, are a rich purple-blue with bright yellow anthers closely-packed at the centre of each flower. The yellow variegation on leaves is not uniform, appearing as marbling and splashes of yellow.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitColumnar upright, Bushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in moist but well-drained fertile soil in full sun. Support plants and tie in regularly. Grow under glass, in a cool conservatory or greenhouse, in peat-free, loam-based compost in bright light
PruningPruning group 12 after flowering
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), tomato spotted wilt and grey moulds