Solanum vespertilio

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Solanum vespertilio, commonly known as the Tenerife Nightshade, is a woody shrub with a remarkable appearance and striking flower. This small shrub grows anywhere from two to five feet tall, producing beautiful foliage and long racemes of showy, four petal flowers in shades of blue, lavender and purples. It blooms in late spring and into early summer.

In its native habitat in Tenerife, Canary Islands, the Tenerife Nightshade requires full sun and only moderate watering, so it will thrive in many different parts of the world. When grown in more temperate climates, this plant is more tolerant of semi-shade.

Tenerife Nightshade is a great addition to any garden thanks to its beauty and attraction to butterflies and hummingbirds. Though it is poisonous or toxic, it can be safely enjoyed in many gardens when kept away from curious children and/or pets.

This species of nightshade is also one of the most reliable when it comes to surviving lower cold snaps. As long as your mature Tenerife Nightshade is placed in an area that is well-drained, with some protection from harsh winter winds, and appropriately mulched in the fall, it should withstand temperatures as low as the 30s F for a short time.

When planted in a pot in cold regions, it is still important to ensure that your Tenerife Nightshade gets enough sun and does not stay overly wet, as this can lead to root rot. Additionally, pruning and regular deadheading can help keep the shrub looking neat and healthy as well as help prevent unwanted spreading. During the winter, covering your potted shrub with something like a sheet or blanket, if temperatures drop too low, can potentially save your nightshade from death.

Similar plants:

• Solanum aculeatissimum, Solanum capsicoides (Cockroach berry, Indian Love Apple, Soda Apple, Devils Apple)
• Solanum atropurpureum (Malevolence, Purple Devil)
• Solanum bahamense (Bahama Nightshade)
• Solanum betaceum, Cyphomandra crassicaulis, Cyphomandra betacea, Pionandra betacea, Solanum crassifolium (Tamarillo, Tree Tomato, Tomate Arbol)
• Solanum bonariense, Solanum grandiflorum (Granadillo)
• Solanum capsicastrum (Winter Cherry, False Jerusalem Cherry, Christmas Cherry)
• Solanum conocarpum (Marron Bacoba)
• Solanum diphyllum (Twoleaf nightshade)
• Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet Nightshade, Climbing Nightshade)
• Solanum elaeagnifolium (Silverleaf Nightshade)