Lycianthes rantonnetii

RHS Plant Profile
blue potato bush

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blue potato bush RHS

Synonyms

Solanum rantonnetii

Climber Wall Shrub Conservatory Greenhouse Shrubs
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A lax, evergreen shrub producing clusters of lightly fragrant, purple-blue, funnel-shaped flowers in summer and autumn. These are followed by red berries

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Solanaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
All parts can cause severe discomfort if eaten. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
Genus
A genus of around 150 diverse species of flowering shrubs, native to tropical America, Asia and the Pacific. They have green foliage and flowers which can be cup or star-shaped in shades of purple, white or pink
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Paraguay, Argentina

How to Grow

Cultivation

May survive as a wall-shrub in very mild areas, or grow as a standard in a pot and take under cover for winter. Otherwise grow in a cool greenhouse or conservatory with shade from the brightest sun and moderate humidity. Plants will require support

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer or early autumn and rooted with gentle bottom heat

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 9 if freestanding or pruning group 12 as a wall shrub

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite whilst under glass

Diseases

Prone to grey moulds under glass