Solanum crispum aka Chilean Nightshade

Solanum crispum is a climber in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. It is native to central and southern Chile and western Argentina. In Argentina, it grows in Mendoza and Neuquén. Its common names include potato tree and nightshade. It scrambles and is semi-evergreen, keeping some leaves through winter. It is not a tree that stands on its own. It can cover a wall, fence, trellis or arbor.

Garden plants reach about 13–26 feet (4–8 m) tall. They spread about 5–8 feet (1.5–2.5 m) wide. The RHS also gives a stem length of 20 feet (6 m). Fine hairs coat the stems. They need support, and you must tie them in often. The oval leaves vary in size. Most measure about 2.4–4.7 inches (0.06–0.12 m) long. Plants take five to ten years to reach full size.

Large groups of flowers bloom from summer into autumn. Each flower measures about one inch (0.025–0.03 m) across. The blooms are rich purple-blue, with a slight scent. Bright yellow anthers, the pollen-bearing parts, crowd each flower's centre. Small cream berries follow in autumn and add interest then. The flowers and fruit give this climber its main garden value. It suits courtyard gardens, informal borders and sites beside walls.

Outdoors, give it full sun and shelter. Missouri Botanical Garden says it also suits part shade. Use rich soil that stays moist but drains well. It suits neutral soil or soil that is slightly alkaline. It accepts chalk, clay and sand where water drains well. The RHS says it resists drought but prefers moist soil. Under glass, use peat-free compost with a loam base. Give it bright light, but shield it from hot sun. The RHS rates it H4. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 9–11.

Prune once the blooms fade. Use semi-hardwood cuttings to grow new plants. Missouri Botanical Garden rates its care needs as moderate. It reports no major pest or disease problems. Still, aphids, whiteflies and thrips may occur. Glasshouse red spider mites may occur too. Diseases may include powdery mildew, rots, blights and grey mould. The RHS also lists tomato spotted wilt and rare honey fungus. Keep these risks in mind when you choose a site. They also matter when you check plant health.