About
This tender, evergreen shrub to 1.2m, with lobed, grey-green leaves bearing bright orange spines along the midrib. The fuzzy stems are also armed with sharp spines. In summer, star-shaped purple flowers are borne in small clusters; these are followed by inedible, cherry tomato-like fruits. Grow as a summer annual or conservatory plant.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesMediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toMadagascar
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in pots of peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. Water freely during growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks. Outdoors, plant out after the last frosts into pots of loam-based potting compost, or into any well-drained garden soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Overwinter in a frost-free green house or raise annually from seed
PruningPlants grown under glass may require restrictive pruning, see pruning group 9
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)