About
A small ornamental shrub with variegated leaves, green with cream edges. Can be placed outside during summer and kept indoors or in a greenhouse over winter. Suitable for container growing. White flowers are followed by poisonous fruits which are initially white with green stripes, ripening to orange.
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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
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
CultivationCan be grown outside during summer. May survive outside during winter in mild areas in sheltered gardens but will perform better if taken into a cool conservatory or greenhouse. Needs a bright, sunny position to flower well, but may need moving out of direct sunlight in summer to avoid sun scorch on leaves
PruningNo regular pruning required
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)