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SOLANUM
Commonly known as Blue potato bush, Paraguay nightshade
Genus of about 1400 species of annuals, herbaceous perennials, and evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous shrubs, trees and twining climbers from a worldwide range of habitats. Includes the potato, tomato and aubergine familes.
Natives comprise the 2 nightshades S. dulcamara, woody nightshade or bittersweet and S. nigrum, black nightshade. Atropa belladonna, deadly nightshade, although in the same family is a different, distinct plant.
Further Reading....
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EvergreenOvate to lance-shaped, often wavy-margined, smooth, mid- to deep-green leaves 6-10cm (2½in) long
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BlueBlue purple
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Height2m (6½ft)
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Spread2m (6½ft)
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Medium shrubTypically grow to around 4-6 feet in heightLax shrub, usually many-branched when mature. Produces axillary clusters to 6cm (2½in) across of 2-5 shallowly trumpet-shaped, flowers1-2.5cm (½-1in) across followed by ovoid red fruit 2.5cm (1in) long.
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Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winterHardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F)
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Full sun
- Details
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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Additional FeaturesPests & DiseasesUnder glass - aphids, red spider mite, tomato spotted wilt, grey mould.Place of originParaguay, ArgentinaResistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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HardinessFrost hardy (down to -5)
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Pruning groupPruning group 8Suitable for: Wall trained shrubs and less vigorous climbers.
Action: For climbers 'spur prune' by cutting back 3-4 buds of the permanent framework. For wall trained shrubs cut back flowered shoots to within 2-4 buds of permanent framework.
When: Annually after flowers if on previous year's growth, or in late Winter or Spring if on current year's growth.
RHS group 12 & 13 -
Seasonal InterestAutumnSummer
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Soil ConditionsFertile well drained soilNeutral to alkaline soil
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Toxic - Category CHarmful if eaten(People & Pets)
Solanum - Growing Guide
2m (6½ft)
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2m (6½ft) |
Buy Varieties of SOLANUM


SOLANUM crispum 'Glasnevin'
Chilean potato tree
Hardy and quick growing wall shrub, flowers violet-blue

SOLANUM jasminoides
Jasmine nightshade, Potato vine
(syn. s.laxum) - pale lilac jasmine-like flowers


SOLANUM jasminoides 'Album'
Jasmine nightshade, Potato vine
pure white form
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50

Garden Goodies
Sisal Twine
2ply sisal garden twine - 250 grams
Only £4.50

Garden Goodies
Natural Twine
Natural garden twine, 500 grams, 350 metres.
Ideal in the garden or the home.
Only £5.00