Family: Solanaceae

In this genus there are about 1500 species of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees and climbers, found in temperate and tropical regions throughout the world. Many species are native to tropical America. They may be evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous. Edible vegetables like the potato and eggplant are part of this genus, while many species are grown for their ornamental foliage, flowers and decorative berries. They are useful, quick-growing plants for both garden and pots. Many species are extremely poisonous if eaten.

Species

S. aviculare, kangaroo apple, zone 9, is native to Australia and New Zealand. It is a fast-growing but short-lived shrub, to 3 m (10 ft) high. The large, soft leaves are dark green to blueish green. The starry, blue to purple flowers, 4 cm (1½ in) in diameter, appear from spring through to autumn, followed by green berries which ripen to yellow and red. S. cap.sicastrum, Christmas or winter cherry, zone 10, is often grown in pots. This shrub from Brazil has (lark green, oval leaves, white flowers, and orange-scarlet berries.

S. jasminoides, potato vine, zone 9, is a popular, quick-growing South American climber, covered in clusters of blueish white flowers for many months.

S. lanceolatum, zone 10, is a prickly shrub growing about 2.5 m (8 ft) tall, with long, narrow leaves, large, lavender-blue flowers, and round, orange fruits.

S. pseudocapsicum, zone 9, is known as Jerusalem cherry. There are a number of named cultivars suitable for pots. Their attractive, colourful fruits are poisonous.

S. rantonnetii, zone 10, from Paraguay and Argentina, is a roundish, evergreen shrub with pendulous branches and glossy, bright green, oval foliage. Lovely, violet-blue flowers in summer and autumn are followed by red fruits. Named varieties have larger flowers.

S. seaforthianum, zone 10, a South American twining climber, grows to 6 m (20 ft), with deeply cut leaves and large clusters of starry, blue, summer flowers with yellow stamens, followed by small, scarlet berries.

S. wendlandii, potato vine or paradise flower, zone 10, is a vigorous climber from Costa Rica. The bright green leaves are prickly and branched clusters of lilac-blue flowers are followed by large, round or oval fruits.

S. wrightii, the potato tree, zone 10, from Brazil is fast growing to 5 m (16 ft). It has large, lobed leaves and scented, pale violet flowers in spring.

Cultivation

In the garden, solanums require a well-drained, alkaline or neutral soil, in a sunny position. In frost-prone climates, the tender species are grown in a cool to intermediate greenhouse in pots of soil-based potting compost. Climbers will need side shoots pruned back to three buds after flowering. Shrubs can be lightly trimmed in spring. Propagate in spring from seed germinated at 21°C (70°F), or for shrubs and climbers, from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, with basal warmth.

Climate

Zone 9 or 10 for the species listed.