Solanum wendlandii
giant potato creeper
A tender, woody plant that will grow as a climber with support. Hooked prickles appear on branches and the stalks of green leaves. Pale purple flowers, about 5cm in diameter, appear in summer and are followed by orange, poisonous fruits
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen or 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained fertile soil in full sun. Could be grown outside during summer
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Climber and wall shrubs
- Conservatory and greenhouse
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) and grey moulds
Get involved
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