Solanum pyracanthum is commonly called devil’s thorn or porcupine tomato. This cool looking tropical perennial has blue-green, dandelion-like foliage covered in eye-catching, thorny spikes of bright orange. Even the fruit has thorns!
Deep purple, star-shaped flowers have yellow centers open to about ¾” across. Blooms attract all sorts of pollinators, and plants are rumored to repel squirrels and other garden marauders!
This Madagascar native is related to the tomato. Plants can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide. They require full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil and plenty of room to grow. We haven’t tried to overwinter a plant yet, but gardeners on forums have kept these crazy looking plants going for up several years indoors in colder climates.