About
This fast-growing, semi-evergreen climber with twining stems up to 9m long and ovate, glossy, dark green leaves. Jasmine-scented white flowers with yellow centres are borne in clusters from summer into autumn and followed by inedible, rounded, purple-black fruits.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
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-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite under glass
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), tomato spotted wilt virus and grey moulds under glass