Solanum pyracanthon
porcupine tomato
A tender, evergreen shrub to 1.2m, with lobed, grey-green leaves bearing bright orange spines along the midrib. The fuzzy stems are also armed with sharp spines. In summer, star-shaped purple flowers are borne in small clusters; these are followed by inedible, cherry tomato-like fruits. Grow as a summer annual or conservatory plant
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Green | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H2Botanical 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
- Madagascar
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in pots of peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. Water freely during growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks. Outdoors, plant out after the last frosts into pots of loam-based potting compost, or into any well-drained garden soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Overwinter in a frost-free green house or raise annually from seed
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Bedding
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Plants grown under glass may require restrictive pruning, see pruning group 9
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.