Solanum muricatum (F)
pepino
A bushy perennial half-hardy shrub. It has evergreen leaves and purple and white flowers and these develop into egg-shaped fruits with a smooth creamy yellow skin with purplish stripes
Synonyms
Solanum variegatum
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Green | Cream Orange | |
| Autumn | Purple White | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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 water-retaining but well-drained soil in good light. Water freely and use a hig potassium eg tomato feed for maximum crop.
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Edible fruit
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), tomato leaf mould and tomato viruses
Get involved
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