When I start a new plant from seed for the first time, I don’t always know what will be a hit and what I’ll be bored with by this time in July. The Morelle de Balbis is a big hit. My last update was posted at the beginning of July and I think the plant has doubled in size since. It gets more interesting and beautiful by the day. Fruit is on the way!
Back when I bought the seeds I hesitated. I knew it was going to be large, unruly and difficult to place. I am so glad I went ahead anyways and even managed to get it planted, unlike some contenders that didn’t make it in this year.
It’s thorny and a bit scary, but I LOVE it! And so do the bees.
That is a pretty plant!
I love this Daily Botanical. I’ve been on this page for a few minutes, enjoying the flora & fauna — a new to me and fascinating plant & a very interesting way to look at a bee. Wonderful detail.
I want to add a bee-attractor to my garden though I’m not sure a prickly plant on a crowded balcony is the best choice. I get a few visits on the lavender & Calibrachoa but don’t feel I’m doing enough for the pollinators.
Beautiful photo! I grew a very exciting solanum one year with purple stems and orange thorns, if I remember right. I always gave it a wide berth in the garden, else I’d lose some skin, but it was terrifyingly gorgeous. You’ve inspired me to seek out interesting solanum seeds for future experiments…
Thanks to this post, and Zoe’s comment above, I have finally found the name of a plant that had been puzzling me for a couple years. I googled images for ‘solanum’ to see if I could find a purple-stemmed, orange-thorned one – it sounds so dramatic! – and happened on this solanum variety, one that used to grow wild in my driveway (it probably still does, but I’ve moved). So thanks!
Frederique: That’s a wild plant. Love those flowers!