Lycianthes rantonnetii (Blue Potato Bush)

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