shrub

Kangaroo Apple

Solanum laciniatum

The Story

Plant Bio

Solanum laciniatum, the kangaroo apple, is a fast-growing, soft-wooded evergreen shrub native to southeastern Australia that reaches heights of up to twelve feet. It features deeply lobed, dark green juvenile foliage resembling a kangaroo's paw print, which transitions to narrower, lance-shaped adult leaves as the plant matures.

The plant produces clusters of deep bluish-purple flowers with prominent yellow anthers throughout spring and summer, followed by egg-shaped berries. These berries turn from toxic green to a bright orange-yellow when fully ripe and safe to consume, though the plant itself is relatively short-lived, declining after five to six years.

Uses & Benefits:

Bold, deeply lobed juvenile foliage and contrasting deep purple flowers with bright yellow anthers.

Functions as a fast-growing, temporary screen or pioneer plant to quickly fill gaps in new garden beds.

Flowers attract generalist insect pollinators and native bees to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

150"

Width

190"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

5-6 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Toxic foliage and unripe fruit

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to very light partial shade with well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its container.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil, and maintain moderate moisture while the root system establishes.
In zones colder than USDA Zone 9, plant in large containers that can be moved indoors before the first autumn freeze.

Pro Tip

Prune the stems back by up to two-thirds after fruiting to maintain a bushy habit; avoid cutting deep into old, leafless wood as recovery from bare stems is poor.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Allow the egg-shaped berries to turn completely orange-yellow and fall naturally before attempting to harvest or consume them.
Provide protection or move container-grown plants indoors to a bright, frost-free location during winter.
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or nutrient-rich compost when growing heavily in patio containers.

Don't

Do not ingest any green, unripe fruits or foliage, as they contain toxic steroidal glycoalkaloids.
Do not overwater or plant in poorly drained, waterlogged soils, which triggers rapid root rot.
Do not prune heavily into old, woody, leafless stems, as the plant will fail to regenerate.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen PlantContainer GardeningTemporary ScreenPioneer Planting

Companion Plants

Salvia Pennisetum Phormium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Kangaroo Apple questions

What zones can Kangaroo Apple grow in?

Kangaroo Apple is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Kangaroo Apple bloom?

Kangaroo Apple typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Kangaroo Apple need full sun?

Kangaroo Apple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Kangaroo Apple drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Kangaroo Apple handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.