Alphabetical Plant Listing

Lycianthes rantonnetii (Blue Potato Bush)

Blue Potato Bush, Solanum rantonnetii


Lycianthes rantonnetii (Blue Potato Bush) is an evergreen shrub boasting a nearly non-stop display of lightly fragrant, purple-blue flowers adorned with bright golden centers. Borne on slender, sprawling stems, the cup-shaped blossoms are profuse throughout warm weather and give way to showy red berries. The foliage of oval, bright green leaves will remain on the plant in mild winter areas. Informal and fast-growing, heat tolerant, and deer resistant, Blue Potato Bush makes an attractive backdrop for smaller shrubs and perennials and can be grown as a container patio tree or as a scrambling climber.

  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its noteworthy qualities.
  • Grows up to 8-12 ft. tall (240-360 cm) and 6-10 ft. wide (180-300 cm) as a shrub. May be grown as a climber up to 12-15 ft. tall (360-450 cm). The plant will require support.
  • Thrives in full sun, in moist, well-drained soils.
  • Keep an eye out for aphids and gray molds.
  • Blooms on the previous or current year's growth. Needs little pruning. Prune lightly in mid-late spring removing unsightly shoots as required.
  • Propagate by seed, or semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer or early autumn and rooted with gentle bottom heat
  • All parts can cause severe discomfort if eaten
  • Native to Paraguay and Argentina

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Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 11
Heat Zones 6 – 11
Climate Zones 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Solanum
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 8' – 12' (240cm – 3.6m)
Spread 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m)
Spacing 72" – 120" (180cm – 300cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden

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By PeterMooij, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 11
Heat Zones 6 – 11
Climate Zones 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Solanum
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 8' – 12' (240cm – 3.6m)
Spread 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m)
Spacing 72" – 120" (180cm – 300cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden

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