The Solanum Crispum Glasnevin climbing vine is a native of South America and part of the nightshade family of species. Interestingly it is closely related to the potato hence it's more commonly known name The Chilean potato vine or tree.
I am not sure exactly who first introduced the plant to Britain but it was probably William Curtis, a
well known 18th century English horticulturist who collected plants from all over the world. Certainly it was one of his drawings and sketches he made public in the late 1700's. The plant has been awarded the Royal Horticultural society's Award of Garden Merit (AGM)
It is a prolific flowerer with soft purple-blue flowers with a tiny yellow centre and a subtle fragrance. One can expect this glorious display to continue right through the Summer months from June until September when it produces small green-yellow berries which are poisonous to humans. It thrives best in a sunny position in neutral to alkaline soil and is an ideal climber for a wall, trellis or pergola although one should bear in mind it is very vigorous once established and can reach over five metres.
You will need to provide some support for this vine in the form of horizontal wires or trellis if growing up a wall. In some areas the plant will remain semi evergreen but is more likely to be deciduous. Pruning should be done in the spring as new growth is about to commence. Take out all dead growth and cut down roughly a third of older stems to ground level and tie in new growth. You will probably need to trim some growth so the vine lies flatter against your support to stop it lopping as it grows out as much as up. One thing I've personally found is that they do not like to be 'hacked back' to hard at one time especially if this takes place in the Autumn or over the Winter.
There are white varieties of this vigorous climber also, most notably Solanum Jasminoides and Solanum Laxum
Pictures top: The village of Amport in the county of Hampshire England. Middle: Picture contributors Marie-Lan Ngyun, Simon Davis, Hans Bernhard, Roy Focker. Bottom Picture: Village of Vernham Dean,Hampshire UK.
General discussion and your views are welcome please say hello. I regret however because of my busy schedule, I am unable to answer many questions. Thanks so much for visiting my blog today.
General discussion and your views are welcome please say hello. I regret however because of my busy schedule, I am unable to answer many questions. Thanks so much for visiting my blog today.
life between the flowers garden choices