About
Flowers are small, white and star-shaped, with five petals and prominent yellow anthers, and followed by clusters of round dark green berries that are matt black when ripe. A fast-growing annual or biennial with variable habit, often found in woodland or areas of disturbed soil. Leaves are broadly ovate, sometimes with wavy edges.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesMixed borders, hedging, foundation planting.
ToxicityPets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationMost successful in moist, warm, fertile conditions, less so in dry soil or heavy shade. May overwinter in milder areas. Generally considered a weed for its ability to outcompete neighbouring plants, and for its role in hosting plant pests and diseases
PruningRemove before flowering to prevent spread
PropagationPropagates by seed. Seeds remain viable in the soil for some years; cultivating soil may increase seed germination, but enables seedlings to be removed when small
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free, but may provide an alternate host for a range of nematodes that may be harmful to other plants, as well as for thrips
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), tomato leaf mould and tomato viruses