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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Solanaceae (Potatoes, tomatoes, peppers) |
| Origin: California (U.S.A.) |
| California Native (Plant List): Yes |
| Flower Color: Purple |
| Bloomtime: Winter/Spring |
| Height: 1-3 feet |
| Width: 2-3 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Solanum xanti 'Mountain Pride' (Purple Nightshade). A loosely spreading, semi-deciduous subshrub to roughly 2 feet tall and slightly wider with dark green, 1-inch long oval leaves. Its lightly fragrant clusters of showy, 1-inch wide, rich purple flowers with bright yellow stamens and a pair of green spots at the base of each petal are borne in winter and spring. Plant in sun to part shade in coastal gardens and shady spots inland. This adaptable native is not fussy about soil type as long as it is relatively well drained. Plants are drought tolerant, needing little to no irrigation once established but will accept modest summer watering. Hardy to at least 20° F. 'Mountain Pride' adds vibrant color to perennial borders and is useful in the dry shade beneath coast live oak trees. To promote a bushy habit, prune leggy branches in late summer or fall. Noted for being resistant to deer predation, likely because all parts of this plant are considered poisonous, as are most plants in this family. Solanum xanti 'Mountain Pride' was a San Marcos Growers plant introduction made in 2011 from a selection given to us by native plant expert and garden designer Carol Bornstein who collected it in February 2010 along Mountain Drive in the Santa Barbara foothills where it was growing among other regrowth following the disastrous 2008 Tea Fire. Carol selected for its attractive and particularly large dark-purple colored flowers. The name for the genus comes from the Latin name used by Pliny for a nightshade and the specific epithet 'xanti' honors János (John) Xántus (1825-1894), a Hungarian zoologist who collected in California and Baja.
The information about Solanum xanti 'Mountain Pride' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
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