Brazilian nightshade (Solanum seaforthianum)
Solanum seaforthianum, or Brazilian nightshade, is an aggressive evergreen vine noted for its showy, fragrant, bluish-purple summer flowers.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Brazilian nightshade, Solanum seaforthianum, is a strikingly vigorous woody perennial vine known for its ability to rapidly cover structures in tropical and subtropical landscapes. Its aesthetic appeal lies in the nodding clusters of intensely colored flowers, which provide significant summer interest. Gardeners appreciate this plant for its fast vertical growth when provided warm conditions.
This evergreen twining vine is closely related to other members of the Solanaceae family. While valued ornamentals in warmer climates, it thrives best in USDA Zones 11 and 12. Be aware that Solanum seaforthianum exhibits aggressive self-seeding tendencies and may quickly naturalize beyond designated planting areas.
Aesthetically, the plant offers deep green foliage contrast against its violet-hued blooms. The resulting shiny, scarlet fruits add further visual appeal late in the season. Proper siting is crucial to manage the exuberant growth habit of the Brazilian nightshade.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Solanaceae
- Plant Type: Vine
- Native Range: Tropical South America
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 11-12
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 15-20 ft
- Spread: 3-6 ft
- Bloom Time: July to August
- Bloom Description: Bluish-purple, pink to white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting Solanum seaforthianum is best done in the spring after the last risk of frost has passed, assuming you are in its required tropical zones. Select a location that offers organically rich, well-drained soil. This vine generally prefers full sun exposure but tolerates partial shade, although flowering may be reduced.
Ongoing care requires medium water provisions to keep the soil consistently moist, thriving best with medium moisture levels. While established drought tolerance exists, consistent watering aids vigorous growth. Maintenance is rated as medium, mainly focused on containment due to its aggressive nature.
A critical cultural note for growing the Brazilian nightshade is recognizing its inability to handle frost. In Zones 11 and 12, it behaves as an evergreen, but any cooler temperatures can cause damage. Due to its potent invasiveness, careful monitoring is essential to prevent Solanum seaforthianum from forming dense stands that suppress local flora.
Landscape Uses
The primary function of the Brazilian nightshade in cultivation is providing dense, vertical coverage as a screen or accent piece. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental vine in tropical and subtropical environments. This aggressive grower excels when given substantial vertical support to climb upon.
It is ideal for rapidly softening harsh architectural elements like large fences, sturdy gazebos, or robust arbors. Placing Solanum seaforthianum where its aggressive growth can be channeled—rather than letting it roam—will yield the best results. Consider neighboring structures that can handle the weight of this woody vine.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Solanum seaforthianum, commonly called Brazilian nightshade, is an aggressive woody perennial evergreen twining vine of the nightshade family. It is typically grown as an ornamental in tropical areas around the globe. This vine typically grows to 20’ tall bearing nodding pendant clusters of bluish-purple to pinkish-white flowers with contrasting yellow anthers which bloom in summer. Flowers are followed by small showy berries that mature to scarlet red.
Tolerances
- Drought
Potential Problems
While Solanum seaforthianum generally avoids serious, persistent insect or disease issues, several fungal problems can emerge under poor conditions. Watch for issues such as powdery mildew, various rots, and blights (both early and late season). Regular monitoring, especially in humid environments, is necessary to manage these cultural issues.
For pest control, common greenhouse or garden nuisances can occasionally affect the Brazilian nightshade. Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and thrips are the pests most likely to appear. Good air circulation and prompt treatment with insecticidal soap can mitigate these minor infestations.
Crucially, all parts of this nightshade vine—stems, leaves, and fruit—are poisonous if ingested. Extreme caution should be taken when planting where children or pets might access the foliage or tempting scarlet berries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Brazilian nightshade suitable for?
The Brazilian nightshade (Solanum seaforthianum) is winter hardy only in USDA Zones 11 through 12. It is intolerant of frost.
How large does Solanum seaforthianum grow?
This aggressive vine typically reaches a mature height between 15 and 20 feet, with a spread ranging from 3 to 6 feet once fully established on its support.
What sun exposure does Brazilian nightshade need?
For optimal flowering and growth, Solanum seaforthianum requires full sun to part shade conditions.
When does Brazilian nightshade bloom?
The flowering time for this vine is typically from July through August, producing beautiful clusters of bluish-purple, pink, or white blossoms.
Conclusion
The Solanum seaforthianum offers immense value as a fast-growing, fragrant, and visually impressive vertical accent in permanently warm climates. Gardeners seeking rapid coverage on trellises or arbors should consider this vigorous Brazilian nightshade, provided strict management protocols for its aggressive seeding are in place. Always confirm that your location falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 11 or 12 before planting this striking tropical vine.
Companion Planting Under High Vigor Vines
When establishing Solanum seaforthianum, it is wise to pair it with plants that can handle its dense shade once mature and benefit from the filtered light it provides. In tropical settings, look for understory plants with similar soil and moisture needs. Consider shade-tolerant tropical groundcovers or low-growing ferns that do not compete aggressively for root space near the vine’s base.
Avoid planting sensitive, low-growing ornamentals near the base of the Brazilian nightshade. Its ability to form dense monocultures means any nearby, less vigorous plant may be completely smothered or starved of light and nutrients. Restrict companion plantings to the immediate edges of its support system only.
Designing with Vertical Structure
Since Solanum seaforthianum is a twining vine requiring support, its design impact is centered on the structure it adorns. Choose robust arbors or pergolas, as this woody vine can become heavy when fully leafed out. The texture of the support structure—wood, metal, or concrete—will affect how easily the vine establishes its grip.
Use the vine to conceal utilitarian features like storage areas, utility boxes, or unattractive boundary walls. The fragrance from the flowers, combined with the showy scarlet berries following bloom, makes it an excellent choice for areas where evening enjoyment, such as near outdoor seating, is anticipated.
