Phil1956's Garden
Solanum Crispum Glasnevin
Genus: Solanum.
Species: Solanum crispum.
Bought on 1st May 2009, from outlet garden centre Woodmansey near Hull.
Common Name: Chilean potato tree
Genus: Solanum
Species: crispum
Cultivar: 'Glasnevin'
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Full sun
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Chalky/alkaline, Moist
Height: 600cm
Spread: 180cm
Time to take cuttings: June to September
Flowering period:
July to October
The Chilean potato vine is just the thing to give a sunny wall an exotic look. It has wiry stems, which need tying up to wires or trellis for support, clad in small semi-evergreen leaves which remain on the plant in all but bad winters. The potato-like flowers, each with lilac petals around a pointed yellow centre, appear continuously from mid-summer to mid-autumn. The variety 'Glasnevin' is the one to choose, as it flowers more prolifically and is also slightly hardier than plain Solanum crispum. This is trouble-free once established. Plants enjoy moist but well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly alakaline in pH. To propagate, take cuttings from summer to early autumn. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
