About
Solanum wendlandii, the giant potato creeper, is a tender, woody, hooked-prickle climber producing large, dark-green leaves and pale-purple flowers about 5 cm across in summer, followed by orange, poisonous fruits. A spectacular and rewarding climber for a large, frost-free conservatory or sheltered, warm wall.
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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesMixed borders, hedging, foundation planting.
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained fertile soil in full sun. Could be grown outside during summer
PruningPruning group 12 after flowering
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and grey moulds