Blue Potato Bush
Lycianthes rantonnetii · Solanaceae
📷 JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant blue potato bush: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Blooming
- June to October
- Adult size
- 1.5 to 2.5 m in height and width
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, dislikes temperatures below 5°C
- Origin
- Paraguay and Argentina
- Soil type
- Well-draining, rich in organic matter
Care
Exposure
Place it in full sun, ideally facing south or west. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to flower generously. In very hot climates, it benefits from some afternoon shade.
Watering
Water regularly in summer, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. In winter or dry periods, reduce watering. Lycianthes fear stagnant moisture which promotes root rot.
Pruning
Prune it lightly after flowering to balance it and stimulate branching. Remove dead or weak branches in spring. Light annual pruning maintains a compact and dense shape.
Fertilizing
Fertilize it every 15 days during flowering with a balanced fertilizer or one slightly rich in phosphorus. Reduce or stop feeding in autumn-winter to let the plant rest.
Soil Preparation
Improve the soil with compost or potting soil before planting. Ensure excellent drainage by adding sand or clay pellets if necessary. It tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soils.
Pests and Diseases
Watch for whiteflies and spider mites in hot periods. Mealybugs can also affect it. Mist the foliage with clear water if infestation is light, or use black soap if necessary.
Did you know?
The Gentian Tree is named after Rantonnet, an 18th-century French botanist. Although it is called the 'gentian tree' because of its pretty blue-purple flowers reminiscent of gentian, it is not one: it belongs to the Solanaceae family, just like the tomato and potato.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- TomatoSolanum lycopersicum
- Sweet pepperCapsicum annuum
- EggplantSolanum melongena
- Cape gooseberryPhysalis peruviana
- Night jessamineCestrum nocturnum
- Potato vineSolanum laxum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.