Solanum crispum

RHS Plant Profile

potato tree

Climber Wall Shrub Conservatory Greenhouse

A vigorous, semi-evergreen, scrambling climber with downy stems to 6m long. Ovate leaves are variable in size but usually 6-12cm long. Flowers, borne in large clusters from summer into autumn, are slightly fragrant, 2.5-3cm in diameter and a rich purple-blue with bright yellow anthers closely-packed at the centre of each flower. Small cream berries follow the flowers in autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height: 4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Sand

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

Position

Full sun

Aspect: 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): H4
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Solanaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Semi evergreen
Habit: Climbing
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: Chile

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light, sheltered from hot sun, or bright indirect light. Grow outdoors in moist but well-drained fertile soil in neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun. Support plants and tie in regularly

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Low Maintenance
Wall side borders
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 12 after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

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