Solanum rantonnetii, Lycianthes rantonnetii

One of our favorites. Beautiful ever-blooming shrub. Tolerates dry conditions and extreme heat. Very fast-growing. Produces masses of deep purple, yellow centred flowers. Flowering is most prolific during the warmer months. Suited to most garden styles and situations. Ideal for creating an attractive and permanent backdrop for smaller shrubs and perennials. Adds year round color to the garden with its golden foliage. A full sun location is preferred although will grow in light shade. Soil should be well drained. Water deeply during extended dry periods and apply a slow release fertiliser during spring. A light prune after main flower flushes will help maintain a neat, compact shape as well as encourage further flower production. Another close species - Solanum hindsianum from Sonoran Desert (nortwestern Mexico) - a bushy, pendulous, branching shrub, ornamental for it's showy, circular, bluish purple flowers which cover the plant.

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 (False Jerusalem Cherry, Winter Cherry, Christmas Cherry)
• Solanum conocarpum (Marron Bacoba)
• Solanum diphyllum (Twoleaf nightshade)
• Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet Nightshade, Climbing Nightshade)
• Solanum elaeagnifolium (Silverleaf Nightshade)