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Products > Solanum xanti 'Mountain Pride'   Solanum xanti 'Mountain Pride' - Purple Nightshade    [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Shrub Family: Solanaceae (Potatoes, tomatoes, peppers) Origin: California (U.S.A.) Flower Color: Purple Bloomtime: Winter/Spring Height: 1-3 feet Width: 2-3 feet Exposure: Sun or Shade Drought Tolerant: Yes Deer Tolerant: Yes Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F May be Poisonous  (More Info): Yes 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.  This description of this plant is based on our research and our observations of it growing at the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We always appreciate receiving feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or have additional cultural tips that would aid others growing Solanum xanti 'Mountain Pride' .     [MORE INFO]