Atropa acaulis Plant Care

Atropa acaulis (Atropa acaulis) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Atropa genus. Atropa acaulis is native to the Mediterranean region.

Atropa acaulis displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Atropa acaulis produces bell-shaped purple to brown flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Atropa acaulis every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Atropa acaulis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Atropa acaulis tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Atropa acaulis prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Atropa acaulis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Atropa acaulis every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Atropa acaulis is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Atropa acaulis can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Atropa acaulis while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Atropa acaulis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Atropa acaulis can be propagated through seeds, root division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to deadly nightshade plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Atropa acaulis is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Atropa acaulis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Atropa acaulis is native to the Mediterranean region. In cooler regions, grow Atropa acaulis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.