Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'

RHS Plant Profile
potato tree 'Glasnevin'

Synonyms

Solanum crispum 'Autumnale'

Award of Garden Merit
Climber Wall Shrub Conservatory Greenhouse

A large, scrambling, semi-evergreen climbing shrub with finely-pointed, ovate leaves 5-12cm in length, and fragrant violet-blue flowers 2.5cm in width, in large open clusters. Fruit 6mm, creamy-white

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light light 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
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

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