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Climber Wall ShrubHerbaceous Perennial

Solanum dulcamara

bittersweet

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

Other common names
bitter nightshade
bluebird
see moreclimbing nightshade
fellen
fellonwood
fellonwort
felonwood
felonwort
mad dog's berry
mortal
poisonous nightshade
radical weed
scarlet berry
scarlet egg plant
violet bloom
woody nightshade

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Yellow Green
Autumn Green Green Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Solanaceae
Native to the UK
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)

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