About
Solanum quitoense, naranjilla, is a tender, fast-growing shrub producing large, dark-green, hairy, purple-veined leaves with spines on the upper surface and stems, white flowers and � in tropical regions � orange, hairy fruits whose juice is widely used. A rewarding and exotic-looking shrub for a tropical-style, frost-free border or large conservatory.
About the genus
Solanum are annuals, perennials, evergreen or deciduous shrubs or twining climbers producing alternate, simple or pinnately lobed leaves and star- or bowl-shaped, five-lobed flowers with prominent stamens, followed by fleshy fruits. A large and diverse genus including vegetables, ornamentals and climbers.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toCentral America, NW South America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile moisture-retentive soil in good light. Can be planted outside in early summer. If grown just for the foliage, it can be treated as an annual
PruningCan be pruned in late summer or early autumn if plants are to be overwintered in a greenhouse
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly, aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)