About
A fast-growing woody climber reaching 8m. It has green, semi-evergreen leaves and white or palest blue, flowers in clusters through late summer into autumn.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing, Bushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens
Native toS America
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in moist but well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun; well-suited to growing against a sunny wall. Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light shaded from hot sun, or bright indirect light. Support plants and tie in regularly
PruningPruning group 12 after flowering
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite under glass. Outdoors generally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), tomato spotted wilt virus and grey moulds under glass