About
A deciduous, woody or herbaceous climber reaching 2.5m. It has three leaflets making up each leaf, with one major central one, and two small flanking leaflets. These are edged and splashed with pale yellow. Purple flowers with yellow centres develop into green then red jewel-like berries, eaten by birds.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow up a fence or through other shrubs, in any soil in sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)