Solanum xantii (Purple nightshade)

Botanical name

Solanum xantii

Other names

Purple nightshade, Solanum xanti, Blue witch, Chaparral nightshade, San Diego nightshade

Genus

Solanum Solanum

Species

S. xantii - S. xantii is an erect to spreading, open, semi-evergreen shrub with hairy, ovate to lance-shaped, pointed, dark grey-green leaves with wavy margins. Clusters of shallowly trumpet-shaped, light purple flowers bloom from late winter into spring.

Native to

Western United States, Mexico

Foliage

Evergreen

Fragrance

Flowers may be scented.

Habit

Branching, Open branches

Toxicity

If ingested, may result in severe discomfort.

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Colour

Flower

Purple in Summer; Purple 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

General care

Pruning

Cut back in late summer or early autumn to promote a bushy habit.

Propagation

Sow at 18-20C in spring.

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Solanum xantii (Purple nightshade) will reach a height of 0.9m and a spread of 0.9m after 5-10 years.

Suggested uses

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

Cultivation

Tolerates extreme drought. In mild areas, grow in well-drained soil, preferably against a warm, sunny wall. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in full light, shaded from hot sun. Water moderately & feed monthly when in growth.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

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, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Solanum xantii (Purple nightshade)

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 xantii (Purple nightshade)

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.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Solanum xantii (Purple nightshade)

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.

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/