This shrub has slender spiny branched woody stems that form a open rounded habit. It has blue green hairy pubescent broad-elliptical leaves and the purple wheel-shaped flowers appear in a cluster during late spring followed by globular berries.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10

Solanum lasiophyllumis naturally found from Western Australia to central South Australia and the south-western Northern Territory growing in sandy-stony rises or rocky outcrops from sea level to an altitude of 758 m (2,487 ft).

It prefers an open sunny and grows in well drained moderately fertile sandy-stony soils with a pH range of 5.6-7.5 and is drought tolerant but frost tender.

Flannel Bush is grown for its flowers and its attractive foliage. It is planted in small or arid gardens as a specimen along borders or in a rockery. It is also planted in pots and tubs and is ideal for roof gardens. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions and establishes in 1-2 years but is short lived. The local Aborigines use it for medicinal purpose and the plant may be difficult to obtain outside its native region requiring a specialised nursery. ID 3323

Solanum(so-LAH-num) lasiophyllum(las-ee-oh-FIL-um)

Solanaceae (so-lan-AY-see-ee)
Potato Family