Purple flowering shrub
By Hvialle
United Kingdom 
Hi
I have spotted a shrub in lots of gardens in London. It's about the size of a Budlia, but with bright star-centred purple flowers. It's been flowering for the last 2 months, and is still flowering now. I'd like to buy one for my garden. Can you help me identify it?
15 Sep, 2008
Answers
For interest, the SE is shown as slightly cooler than the SW (where Spritz and I hold residence) on my Hardiness Zones map. But anywhere near the middle of a city is almost always several degrees warmer than the surrounding area. Give it a try - beautiful colour!
16 Sep, 2008
I think that this is Solanum rantonnei 'Royal Robe'. I have one in a pot because it isn't hardy, so I move it into the greenhouse for the winter. It may be OK in milder areas outside, but a hard frost would certainly kill it. I am in the mild-ish SW of England but London does seem to be several degrees warmer!
15 Sep, 2008