Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)
Description:
Belladonna (Atropa belladonna), otherwise known as Deadly Nightshade, is a perennial woodland plant of the Solanaceae family, native to parts of central and southern Europe and western Asia. Grows at forest margins and shaded clearings, Belladonna favours cool soils and dappled light, exhibiting an unmistakable presence. Often mistaken by the invasive bittersweet nightshade found commonly in Australia, Belladonna is markedly different in both its phytochemicals and growth patterns.
Belladonna’s deep green leaves give rise to nodding, bell-shaped flowers in muted violet-brown tones, followed by glossy black berries. These fruits, striking and deceptively inviting, have long contributed to the plant’s reputation as one of Europe’s most formidable botanicals.
CAUTION: All parts of Atropa belladonna are highly toxic. This plant is offered strictly for botanical and educational purposes. Avoid ingestion. Keep well out of reach of children and animals.
Growing Conditions:
Climate: cool-temperate to temperate climates; prefers regions with mild summers and cool winters; light frost tolerant once established.
Position: partial shade to dappled sunlight, reflecting its natural woodland habitat; protection from intense afternoon sun is recommended - although matured plants seem to cope well in the summer afternoon sun as long as they receive sufficient water.
Soil: well-draining, humus-rich soils; performs well in loamy or lightly calcareous substrates.
Water: requires moderate watering; soil should remain lightly moist but never waterlogged.
Spacing: allow approximately 60 - 90cm between plants to accommodate mature growth and airflow if growing in the ground; does well in pots.
Propagation tips:seeds may benefit from a period of cold stratification prior to sowing (e.g., planting in late winter - early spring is ideal in cold-temperate regions). Germination can be slow and uneven. Sow lightly covered and keep soil cool and evenly moist. Transplant with care once true leaves have formed.
~30 seeds per pack
Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)
Description:
Belladonna (Atropa belladonna), otherwise known as Deadly Nightshade, is a perennial woodland plant of the Solanaceae family, native to parts of central and southern Europe and western Asia. Grows at forest margins and shaded clearings, Belladonna favours cool soils and dappled light, exhibiting an unmistakable presence. Often mistaken by the invasive bittersweet nightshade found commonly in Australia, Belladonna is markedly different in both its phytochemicals and growth patterns.
Belladonna’s deep green leaves give rise to nodding, bell-shaped flowers in muted violet-brown tones, followed by glossy black berries. These fruits, striking and deceptively inviting, have long contributed to the plant’s reputation as one of Europe’s most formidable botanicals.
CAUTION: All parts of Atropa belladonna are highly toxic. This plant is offered strictly for botanical and educational purposes. Avoid ingestion. Keep well out of reach of children and animals.
Growing Conditions:
Climate: cool-temperate to temperate climates; prefers regions with mild summers and cool winters; light frost tolerant once established.
Position: partial shade to dappled sunlight, reflecting its natural woodland habitat; protection from intense afternoon sun is recommended - although matured plants seem to cope well in the summer afternoon sun as long as they receive sufficient water.
Soil: well-draining, humus-rich soils; performs well in loamy or lightly calcareous substrates.
Water: requires moderate watering; soil should remain lightly moist but never waterlogged.
Spacing: allow approximately 60 - 90cm between plants to accommodate mature growth and airflow if growing in the ground; does well in pots.
Propagation tips:seeds may benefit from a period of cold stratification prior to sowing (e.g., planting in late winter - early spring is ideal in cold-temperate regions). Germination can be slow and uneven. Sow lightly covered and keep soil cool and evenly moist. Transplant with care once true leaves have formed.
~30 seeds per pack
