Solanum laciniatum

RHS Plant Profile

kangaroo apple

RHS

Other common names

large kangaroo apple

Synonyms

Solanum aviculare auct.

Conservatory Greenhouse

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A large evergreen shrub to 3m or more, with simple lance-shaped or pinnately lobed leaves 15cm long, and light purplish-blue flowers 5cm wide, with broadly triangular petals, followed by egg-shaped light orange fruits

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height: 2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: West–facing or South–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
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
Plant Range: Australia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun, or in bright indirect light. In growth, water freely, apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly, mist daily and maintain moderate humidity. Can be grown outdoors when risk of frost is past

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Patio and container plants

Pruning

Pruning group 9

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and aphids

Diseases

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