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It is probably a mistake, but I have rooted cuttings of a number of my favourite climbers this year. I can't think
where they are going to grow, but for the moment they are still in smnall pots in the greenhouse. This
Solanum can be a little tender and if I had a south facing wall to grow it on, I would be happy.
As it is, it will have to take its chances growing up a shrub somewhere. A problem that can be put off until next year. It was first described in 1840 from a seed collection in southern Brazil, the white form is the only one I have ever seen in cultivation, although the species is typically pale blue-purple. Both colour forms appeared in the original seed collection. RHS plants online says "Fragrant, star-shaped, bluish-white flowers with tiny, yellow centres from June to September and glossy, dark green leaves. This jasmine-scented climber is valuable for covering sheltered walls or for growing through other shrubs or climbers. The tiny purple-black autumn berries contrast well with the decorative seedheads of late-flowering clematis.In frost-prone areas grow under glass." Right Plants 4 Me say: "This is a deciduous climber hardy down to 0 degrees C so needs a sheltered sunny wall to grow well. It is closely related to the potato and has some similar features. The elliptic leaves are dark green and are similar to those of the nightshade but are tougher and have a glossy appearance. The jasmine scented, pure white starry flowers have tiny, yellow centres from June to September. It is very good for bringing colour onto walls and fences late in the summer and into the Autumn in mild years. Tiny purple-black autumn berries are produced in autumn Caution. Harmful if eaten. In frost prone areas it's best grown under glass. Plants can be grown in large containers and trained up an obelisk or trellis. 'Solanum' is an old name given by Pliny to a related plant the nightshade and means solace." |
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| 21st July 2011 | ||
