Solanum pseudocapsicum

RHS Plant Profile
Christmas cherry

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Other common names

Jerusalem cherry, Madeira winter cherry, winter cherry, false Jerusalem cherry

Synonyms

Solanum capsicastrum

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Annual Biennial Shrubs
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A small, upright, bushy, evergreen shrub to 30cm, usually grown as a winter-fruiting annual. Leaves are narrow, dark green and glossy, with wavy-edges. In summer, it produces small clusters of white, star-shaped flowers, followed by long-lasting, spherical, red, yellow or orange fruit 1.5 to 2cm across

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral

Position

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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Solanaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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 in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright light

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Pruning group 9 if grown long term, otherwise no pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and grey moulds