Plants in family solanaceae
Nicotiana glauca
Nicotiana glauca, or tree tobacco, is a tall perennial with glaucous blue foliage and yellow tubular flowers. It can grow over 6 feet tall and is known for its invasive nature in some regions. All parts of the plant are poisonous, and it reproduces primarily by seed.
Alkekengi officinarum
Alkekengi officinarum, commonly known as Chinese lantern, is popular for its vibrant color and unique shape, often used in dried arrangements. This plant is easy to grow and can be perennial in USDA zones 3-9, though it is sometimes grown as an annual. It spreads by self-sowing or underground roots but is toxic if ingested, so caution is advised.
Solanum lycopersicum 'Artisan Bumble Bee Blend'
Solanum lycopersicum 'Artisan Bumble Bee Blend' is a blend of Pink, Purple, and Sunrise Bumble Bee tomatoes, known for their striped appearance and juicy texture. These tomatoes are suitable for salads and produce big yields throughout the season, requiring support due to their size. They are also crack resistant, making them a reliable choice for gardeners.
Solanum aethiopicum
Solanum aethiopicum, also known as the ornamental eggplant, is notable for its pumpkin-shaped fruits that are used in Asian cooking. This plant adds a decorative touch to gardens with its unique fruit shape and vibrant color. While primarily grown for ornamental purposes, its fruits are also edible and can be incorporated into various culinary dishes.
Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Carbon'
Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Carbon' is a tomato variety that combines the heirloom flavor of 'Cherokee Purple' with the early production of 'Carbon'. It produces large, purple beefsteak fruits with a rich flavor and fewer cracks and blemishes.
Cestrum parqui
Cestrum parqui, also known as Willow-leaved jessamine, is a semi-evergreen shrub native to Chile. It can grow up to 15 feet tall in tropical climates and is known for its fragrant yellow-green flowers that bloom from early summer until the first frost. The plant emits a powerful fragrance in the evening and attracts hummingbirds. Its black, egg-shaped berries are toxic but attract birds that help disperse its seeds. Despite its use in folk medicine, it contains toxic alkaloids and is considered a noxious weed in some regions like Australia.
Capsicum annuum 'Black Pearl'
Capsicum annuum 'Black Pearl' is a striking plant with semi-glossy, deep purple to black leaves and shiny round black fruit that turns red as it matures. Known for its extreme heat, this pepper is exceptionally heat and drought tolerant, making it a resilient choice for gardens in warm climates.
Capsicum annuum 'California Wonder'
Capsicum annuum 'California Wonder' is a large, uniform pepper ideal for stuffing. It turns bright red when left on the plant and contains more vitamin C than an orange. This variety performs well in containers and short-season climates, making it a versatile choice for home gardeners.
Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeño'
Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeño' is a medium-hot pepper, measuring 2,500-5,000 on the Scoville scale, and is adapted to cooler climates. The peppers can be enjoyed either green or red and grow to about 3 inches long, making them a versatile addition to culinary gardens.
Capsicum baccatum 'Lemon Drop'
Capsicum baccatum 'Lemon Drop', also known as Ahi Limon, is a pepper variety with a Scoville rating of 30,000-50,000. It has strong citrus notes and a lemony scent when cut, making it excellent for drying. This prolific plant takes a long time to mature and produces 10-15 seeds per fruit.
Solanum lycopersicum
Solanum lycopersicum, commonly known as the tomato plant, is renowned for its hearty flavor and early harvest of cherry tomatoes. The plant features vigorous vines that can reach up to 6 feet long and produces tangerine-colored fruits with a sweet, juicy taste. It is disease-resistant and performs well in heat and humidity, making it ideal for container gardening.
Solanum pseudocapsicum 'Variegata'
Solanum pseudocapsicum 'Variegata' is a bushy, evergreen shrub from the nightshade family, producing small orange fruit that is mildly poisonous if ingested. It enjoys full sun and regular watering, making it a vibrant addition to gardens.
Solanum evolvulifolium
Solanum evolvulifolium is a trailing vine native to Ecuador, ideal for vivariums due to its ability to adhere to backgrounds. It thrives in high humidity and moderate indirect light, making it a suitable choice for tropical-themed enclosures.
Mandragora officinarum
Mandragora officinarum, commonly known as mandrake, is a fascinating herbaceous perennial native to the Mediterranean region. It is renowned for its human-like roots, which have been associated with medicinal and magical properties throughout history. The plant forms a flat rosette of sandpapery green foliage and produces small lavender flowers in early spring. Its roots contain alkaloids, making them toxic, and are known to 'shriek' when pulled from the ground. Mandrake is a member of the Solanaceae family and is often found in rocky pine woods. It is a unique plant with a rich cultural history, often used in traditional herbal medicine.
Solanum uleanum
Solanum uleanum is a striking plant with brilliant purple coloration and trichomes, making it a standout in any collection. It thrives under specific conditions, such as high humidity and gentle acclimation, and is sensitive to water on its leaves. This species, part of the nightshade family, is known for its finicky rooting process and preference for base watering.
Physalis philadelphica
Physalis philadelphica, essential to Mexican cuisine, is a compact plant about 24 inches tall, ideal for small spaces or containers. It yields ripe fruit nearly all at once and thrives in conditions similar to tomatoes, handling more heat. Growing two or more plants ensures good pollination.
Calibrachoa 'Tequila Sunrise'
Calibrachoa 'Tequila Sunrise' is a vibrant plant with semi-upright growth and striking orange blooms accented by red and yellow splashes. It flowers from spring until the first frost and is more heat resistant than many other Calibrachoas. The self-cleaning flowers attract hummingbirds, and the plant requires full sun for optimal blooming. To prevent root rot, allow the soil to dry before watering.
Calibrachoa 'Cherry Blossom'
Calibrachoa 'Cherry Blossom' is a vigorous plant that produces hundreds of vividly colored red flowers throughout the season. It attracts birds and hummingbirds and does not require deadheading, making it a low-maintenance addition to gardens.
Solanum lycopersicum 'Big Beef'
Solanum lycopersicum 'Big Beef' is a beefmaster type tomato known for its high yields and rich, old-fashioned flavor. This indeterminate variety produces colossal fruits and is disease resistant, making it a reliable choice for home gardeners. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. 'Big Beef' is ideal for those seeking a classic tomato taste with modern resilience.
Verbascum 'Royalty'
Verbascum 'Royalty' is a compact perennial with purple blooms that thrives in full sun and poor, well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. This plant is deer resistant and self-seeding, with a long bloom period from late spring to late summer.
Nicotiana glauca 'Salta Blues'
Nicotiana glauca 'Salta Blues' is a tall perennial with glaucous foliage and clusters of tubular yellow flowers. Native to Argentina's Salta Province, it is deer-resistant and spreads through rhizomes in sandy, enriched soils. This plant blooms from summer to fall and attracts various pollinators.
Calibrachoa 'Uscal91001'
Calibrachoa 'Uscal91001' is a fast-growing plant known for its vivid orange flowers. It is a re-bloomer that does not require dead-heading, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. Its bright blooms add a splash of color to any garden or container.
Brugmansia 'Charles Grimaldi'
Brugmansia 'Charles Grimaldi' is a vigorous, deer-resistant plant known for its impressive size and striking golden-orange flowers. By the end of the growing season, it can reach up to 8 feet tall and produce up to 100 large, fragrant flowers that are 12 inches long. These flowers emit a pleasant scent in the late afternoon and evening, attracting hummingbirds and hawkmoths. It thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate anything from open shade to several hours of full sun.