Purple flowering shrub
By Hvialle
United Kingdom
Hi
I have spotted a shrub in lots of gardens in London. It's about the size of a Budlia, but with bright star-centred purple flowers. It's been flowering for the last 2 months, and is still flowering now. I'd like to buy one for my garden. Can you help me identify it?
- 15 Sep, 2008
Answers
For interest, the SE is shown as slightly cooler than the SW (where Spritz and I hold residence) on my Hardiness Zones map. But anywhere near the middle of a city is almost always several degrees warmer than the surrounding area. Give it a try - beautiful colour!
16 Sep, 2008
I think that this is Solanum rantonnei 'Royal Robe'. I have one in a pot because it isn't hardy, so I move it into the greenhouse for the winter. It may be OK in milder areas outside, but a hard frost would certainly kill it. I am in the mild-ish SW of England but London does seem to be several degrees warmer!
15 Sep, 2008