Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Climber Wall ShrubConservatory Greenhouse

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

Other common names
paradise flower
potato vine
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical 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

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.