New Zealand Nightshade: An Intriguing Non-Native Shrub for Warm Climate Gardens
If you’re looking for a unique shrub that brings both striking foliage and colorful berries to your garden, you might want to get acquainted with New Zealand nightshade (Solanum aviculare). This distinctive plant, also known by its synonym Solanum laciniatum, offers an interesting addition to warm climate landscapes, though it’s important to understand both its benefits and considerations before planting.
What is New Zealand Nightshade?
New Zealand nightshade is a perennial shrub that typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant, usually reaching heights of 4-5 meters (13-16 feet) under ideal conditions. Despite its common name suggesting New Zealand origins, this plant is actually native to both Australia and New Zealand. As a non-native species in the United States, it has established itself in several states where it reproduces naturally without human intervention.
Where Does It Grow?
In the United States, New Zealand nightshade has naturalized in California, Hawaii, and Oregon. It thrives in these locations due to their Mediterranean and subtropical climates that closely match its native growing conditions.
Why Consider New Zealand Nightshade?
This shrub offers several appealing characteristics that might catch a gardener’s eye:
- Unique foliage: The deeply lobed leaves create an interesting textural element in the landscape
- Attractive flowers: Purple blooms appear throughout the growing season and attract bees and other pollinators
- Colorful berries: Bright orange-red berries follow the flowers, adding vibrant color to the garden
- Low maintenance: Once established, it’s quite drought tolerant and requires minimal care
Garden Applications
New Zealand nightshade works well in several garden settings:
- Mediterranean-style gardens where its drought tolerance shines
- Coastal landscapes where it can handle salt exposure
- Mixed shrub borders as a specimen plant
- Informal, naturalistic gardens
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to grow New Zealand nightshade, here’s what it needs to thrive:
Climate: Best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-11, where it can grow year-round without frost damage.
Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering and fruiting.
Soil: Thrives in well-draining soil and is quite adaptable to various soil types once established.
Water: Drought tolerant once established, but regular watering during the first growing season helps establishment.
Maintenance: Generally low-maintenance, though you may want to prune for shape or to control size.
Important Considerations
Before planting New Zealand nightshade, keep these points in mind:
Self-seeding: This plant can readily self-seed, so monitor for unwanted seedlings if you prefer more controlled growth.
Non-native status: While not currently listed as invasive, it’s always worth considering native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems.
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re interested in supporting native wildlife and plants, consider these alternatives that offer similar garden appeal:
- Native elderberries (Sambucus species) for berries and pollinator benefits
- Native currants and gooseberries (Ribes species) for colorful fruits
- Native ceanothus species for drought tolerance and pollinator appeal
The Bottom Line
New Zealand nightshade can be an attractive addition to warm climate gardens, offering unique foliage, pretty flowers, and colorful berries with minimal fuss. However, as a responsible gardener, it’s worth weighing this choice against native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local wildlife and ecosystems. Whatever you choose, make sure it fits your garden’s conditions and your maintenance preferences!
