Solanum pseudocapsicum variegated (v)
variegated Christmas cherry
A small ornamental shrub with variegated leaves, green with cream edges. White flowers are followed by poisonous fruits which are initially white with green stripes, ripening to orange. Suitable for container growing. Can be placed outside during summer and kept indoors or in a greenhouse over winter
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green Cream | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Cream | White Green Orange | |
| Autumn | Green Cream | White Green Orange | ||
| Winter | Green Cream | White Green Orange |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- 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
Can be grown outside during summer. May survive outside during winter in mild areas in sheltered gardens but will perform better if taken into a cool conservatory or greenhouse. Needs a bright, sunny position to flower well, but may need moving out of direct sunlight in summer to avoid sun scorch on leaves
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No regular pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
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