Solanum crispum (Potato tree)

Botanical name

Solanum crispum

Other names

Potato tree, Chilean potato vine

Genus

Solanum Solanum

Species

S. crispum - S. crispum is a vigorous, scrambling, borderline hardy, semi-evergreen, climbing shrub with ovate, pointed, dark green leaves and large, open corymbs of fragrant, lilac to purple-blue flowers from summer into autumn. Flowers are followed by yellow-flushed, white fruit.

Native to

Chile, Peru

Foliage

Semi evergreen

Fragrance

Flowers may be scented.

Habit

Climbing

Toxicity

If ingested, may result in severe discomfort.

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Colour

Flower

Lilac in Summer; Lilac in Autumn

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Glasshouse red spider mite

Specific diseases

Grey mould , Tomato spotted wilt

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 12 after flowering.

Propagation methods

Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Solanum crispum (Potato tree) will reach a height of 6m and a spread of 2m after 5-10 years.

Suggested uses

City, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Wallside and trellises

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny site. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in full light, shaded from hot sun. Water freely & feed monthly when in growth.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Solanum crispum (Potato tree)

Common pest name

Cassava whitefly; Cotton whitefly; Sweet potato whitefly; Tobacco whitefly

Scientific pest name

Bemisia tabaci non-European populations

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Non-European populations of Bemisia tabaci pose an additional risk to European populations due to the potential for introducing non-European viruses.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Solanum crispum (Potato tree)

Common pest name

; Black wood of grapevine; Female sterility of tobacco; Fruit woodiness of tomato; Maize Redness; Mal azul of tomato; Metabolbur; Metastolbur; Parastolbur; Purple top of potato; Stolbur of potato; Stolbur of tobacco; Stolbur of tomato

Scientific pest name

Candidatus Phytoplasma solani

Type

Phytoplasma

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Phytoplasma which potentially affects a wide host range; determined by the feeding behaviour of vectors. First UK outbreak in 2014; on strawberry; a host not specifically regulated in EU legislation. This legislation should be reviewed to take account of this and other developments.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Solanum crispum (Potato tree)

Common pest name

Apple root knot nematode

Scientific pest name

Meloidogyne mali

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Unknown

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

UK (along with certain other European countries) received potentially infested trees in 1992; but these were destroyed at the end of the trial period and targeted surveillance has failed to find any trace of the nematode. Main impacts are on elm; apple and mulberry and industry should source such material carefully.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/