Overview
Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin' is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Solanum, part of the Solanaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 4-8 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. It is drought resistant and low maintenance. Suggested uses include conservatory and greenhouse and edible fruit. It is native to Chile and Argentina.
About
Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin' is a climbing cultivar of the Solanum genus, commonly known as the potato tree 'Glasnevin'. This semi-evergreen climber can reach heights of 4 to 8 metres over 5 to 10 years, with a spread of 1 to 1.5 metres. It thrives in full sun on east- or south-facing, sheltered aspects and prefers moist but well-drained soil that can be chalk, clay, or sand with an alkaline to neutral pH. Noted for its drought resistance and low maintenance, it provides winter interest in gardens, conservatories, or greenhouses.
About the genus
Solanum is a large and diverse genus of flowering plants, which include three food crops of high economic importance: the potato, the tomato and the eggplant. It is the largest genus in the nightshade family Solanaceae, comprising around 1,500 species. It also contains the so-called horse nettles, as well as numerous plants cultivated for their ornamental flowers and fruit.
Wikipedia contributors, "Solanum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Solanum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Solanum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Conservatory and greenhouse, Edible fruit
- Native to
- Chile, Argentina
- Fragrance
- Mildly fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'
- Cultivation
- Plant in a sheltered, sunny position with well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry periods. Suitable for training against walls or fences. Protect from severe frost in colder areas.
- Pruning
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged stems in early spring.
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Mealybugs, Glasshouse whitefly, Glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Tomato leaf mould, Tomato viruses
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'?
Plant in a sheltered, sunny position with well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry periods. Suitable for training against walls or fences. Protect from severe frost in colder areas.
Where is the best place to plant Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'?
Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin' need?
Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'?
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged stems in early spring.
How big does Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin' grow?
Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin' reaches a height of 4-8 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin' hardy in the UK?
Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin' has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'?
Seed.