Photo of Solanum pyracanthos foliage by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Solanum pyracanthos

Also Known As

  • Solanum pyracanthum
  • Porcupine Tomato

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 3'-5'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 9a-12

More Options

Solanum pyracanthos plant details

Solanum pyracanthos is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In summer lavender flowers emerge followed by green and yellow fruit. Features fuzzy and glaucous texture. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, alkaline, average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Solanum pyracanthos

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: solanaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: lavender blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, self-sowing, showy spines, toxic, unique

GROWING CONDITIONS for Solanum pyracanthos

USDA Zones: 9a - 12
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: acidic, alkaline, average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Gag gift for a gardening friend who has everything? This 'tenderennial' has attitude…orangey spines grow along the veins on the leaf surface! We think it's seriously COOL…It will grow 3-5' tall and 2-3' wide in the ground or a big pot, smaller in a more demure container – Likes sun or light shade –Nice specimen – it has those popular COPPER tones!! From Africa (where you must be well armed if you are to survive as a plant) – Must be overwintered in a protected place.
A interesting ornamental with blue green leaves having many prominent orange spines or thorns along the midrib. The stems are covered by an orange fuzz. Clusters of lavender papery flowers in July-August followed by miniature tomato like fruits. Grows 20-24" in sunny location. Hardy in zone 9-11. Deer resistant. A member of the TOXIC nightshade family of plants. This plant is so unusual and ugly that it is pretty.
Cool and scary! This eye-opening specimen plant from Madagascar is a member of the tomato family. It grows 3’-5’ tall with pretty, actually, blue-green leaves that have prominent orange spines down the mid ribs. The stems are covered with orange fuzz. Lavender flowers are borne in a cluster. It’s a tropical guy, and so unforgettable, it’s worth protecting during the winter.

Gardening facts about Solanum pyracanthos plant

How to Grow Solanum pyracanthos

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - dappled shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • alkaline
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • lavender
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Fruit

    • yellow
    • green
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous
    • fuzzy
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