Solanum dulcamara

RHS Plant Profile
bittersweet

Other common names

bitter nightshade, bluebird, climbing nightshade, fellen, fellonwood, fellonwort, felonwood, felonwort, mad dog's berry, mortal, poisonous nightshade, radical weed, scarlet berry, scarlet egg plant, violet bloom, woody nightshade

Climber Wall Shrub Herbaceous Perennial

A deciduous woody, or herbaceous climber reaching 2.5m. It has tri-foliate leaves with one major central one and two small flanking leaflets. Purple flowers with yellow centres develop into green then red jewel-like berries, eaten by birds

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Solanaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Potentially harmful
Harmful 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
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
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow up a fence or through other shrubs, in any soil in sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Climber and wall shrubs

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)