This tropical vine or shrub offers petite fragrant flowers and a long bloom period.
The vines are perennial and semi-evergreen in climates with mild winters and grown as annuals in cold regions.
AllSolanumspecies are toxic to humans and pets.
Credit: Edward Gohlich
Plant solanum vines at the base of a sturdytrellisand it will quickly scramble toward the sky.
It pretties up fences and brings walls to life with its flowers and foliage.
Many types of solanum are semi-evergreen and will add interest nearly year-round.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Solanum tolerates part shade, making it useful in the dappled light of a patio.
Place the plant in the hole and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball.
Gently tamp down the soil and water it well.
Credit: Eric Roth
Keep it watered in the absence of rain until the plant is established.
Solanum Care Tips
The plants in these species are generally low-maintenance and easy to grow.
Light
Solanum grows best infull sunor light shade.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
The light requirements may vary depending on the species; some are understory plants in their native habitat.
Soil and Water
The soil should be moist but well-drained, with apHbetween 7.0 and 8.0.
Water the plant until it is established.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Temperature and Humidity
Solanum are warm-weather plants that are easily damaged by frost.
As tropical plants, solanum are usually tolerant of high humidity.
Fertilizer
Solanum has moderatefertilizerneeds.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, which will lead to excessive vegetative growth.
Potting and Repotting Solanum
Smaller types of solanum make good container plants.
Choose a pot at least 12 inches in diameter and double-check it has large drainage holes.
Credit: Justin Hancock
Fill it with well-draining potting mix.
Keep in mind that container plants need more frequent watering and fertilizer than inground plants.
When grown as an annual, it wont require repotting during its single growing season.
Pests and Problems
Depending on the solanum species, you might encounter different pests and disease issues.
Potato vine, for example, attracts aphids and red spider mites.
How to Propagate Solanum
Solanum seeds are not commonly available from seed companies.
The plants can bepropagated from stem cuttingsor by layering.
Remove all the leaves and entirely cover the stem with soil.
Gently tamp down the soil and water it lightly.
Keep the buried stem evenly moist at all times.
Transplant it into a pot or to a new location in the garden.
From summer to fall, it is covered with white, sweet-scented flowers.
It is also grown as a small patio tree with a single trunk.
A popular cultivar is ‘Royal Robe’.
Zone 9-11
Naranjilla
Known as naranjilla or lulo, Solanum quitoenseis a shrub nativeto Ecuador and Peru.
The large velvety leaves have purple hairs and orange-yellow spines.
The fragrant white flowers turn into fuzzy orange-colored edible with a citrus flavor.
When grown as an annual, the plant grows about 3 feet tall.
In a warm, tropical climate, it reaches 8 feet in height.
Zone 10-12
Solanum Companion Plants
Castor Bean
Plant acastor beanand then stand back.
This is one of the fastest-growing, giant annuals in the garden, rivaled only perhaps by giant sunflower.
Be careful, though.
Technically a tropical shrub, licorice plant is usually grown as an annual in the United States.
It does best in full sun and well-drained soil.
If you live in a cooler area, try plantinghardy hibiscusinstead oftropical hibiscus.
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil.
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil.
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil.
Attach sturdy cables to a fence or wall to give solanum something to twine around and climb up.
Gently bend the stems around a pergola or arbor post to encourage climbing.
Place it in a south- or west-facing window where it gets plenty of sunlight and water it moderately.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
Nightshade.ASPCA.
Solanum americanum.North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
North Carolina State University Extension.
