Silverleaf nightshade
Solanum elaeagnifolium · Solanaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around silverleaf nightshade and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen to semi-evergreen
- Flowering
- Summer to fall, purple or blue flowers
- Adult size
- 0.6 to 1.5 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, warm zones (10-11)
- Origin
- South and North America
- Soil type
- Well-draining, drought-tolerant
Care
Light Exposure
Place your nightshade in full sun to encourage abundant flowering. It also tolerates partial shade but will produce fewer flowers. Protect it from strong winds that can damage its foliage and branches.
Watering
Water regularly during growth and flowering periods, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, this plant tolerates drought well. Reduce watering in winter or during dormancy.
Soil Preparation
Use well-draining substrate enriched with organic matter. Nightshade appreciates light soils and doesn't tolerate waterlogging. In containers, prepare a mix of potting soil and perlite or gravel to ensure good water circulation.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer or one rich in phosphorus and potassium every 15 to 20 days during the growing and flowering season. Reduce or stop feeding in winter to allow the plant to rest.
Pruning and Maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy shape. Remove dead or diseased branches in early spring. The plant doesn't require drastic pruning and regrows quickly.
Pests and Diseases
Watch for aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites, especially indoors or in greenhouses. Check the undersides of leaves regularly. Excess moisture can promote fungal diseases; ensure good ventilation and avoid wetting the foliage.
Did you know?
Chalef-leaved nightshade is a species known to be invasive in North Africa and the Middle East, where it has been naturalized for a long time. Its small white or yellow berries attract birds that disperse its seeds, contributing to its rapid spread in semi-arid regions. Despite its aggressive nature, botanists find it fascinating due to its remarkable adaptation to drought conditions.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.