Blue Potato Bush
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Latin Name
Named after the nineteenth century French horticulturist, Barthélémy Victor Rantonnet, the organic name for this plant is by and large acknowledged as Lycianthes rantonnetii. It is otherwise called Solanum rantonnetii. The variety name is taken from the Greek word lykion which signifies 'a prickly shrubbery', and anthos which implies bloom.
Basic Names
Generally known by the basic name of blue potato bramble, this species is additionally called blue Lycianthes, Paraguay nightshade, and regal robe. The utilization of the normal name of nightshade isn't amazing on the grounds that this plant was erroneously thought to be one of the nightshade animal types, despite the fact that it isn't.
Favored USDA Hardiness Zones
This species is appropriate for planting in USDA toughness zones 8b through 11. In colder zones, it might drop its leaves in the winter, while in the hotter zones it stays evergreen.
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Size and Shape
The blue potato shrub is a quickly developing evergreen that will develop to as much as ten feet in stature and width. Commonly they are pruned back to a considerably littler size. They can be pruned to any shape and are regularly trimmed to a round shape with the lower foliage cut, in this way looking like a little tree.
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Exposure
Blue potato bush prefers full sun if possible, but will tolerate partial shade. This species fare well in coastal regions but should be protected from strong winds.
Foliage/Flowers/Fruit
Leaves of the blue potato bush are oval to elliptical, alternate, and grow up to six inches long and three inches across. They are described as an evergreen in warmer zones and deciduous in zones that are cooler. The smooth gray-brown branches grow in an arching fashion, sprawling to well over six feet if not pruned.
The flowers of this species are what make it memorable. Striking masses of deep violet-blue flowers with yellow centers are grouped at the leaf axils. In cooler zones, blossoms are produced from March through October, while in the warmest zones it may bloom year-round. Flowering is most prolific during the summer months.
Fruit is produced in the form of orange-red oval berries that are up to an inch in size. The fruit is not edible, and like other parts of the plant is poisonous if ingested. Each berry produces approximately two dozen dark brown seeds.
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Growing Tips
Regular watering is important, particularly during the first growing season. During times of high heat water more frequently. The soil should be well-drained but not allowed to completely dry out before the next watering.
Apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring just before new growth begins. If planted in a container, fertilize once a month with a liquid 10-10-10 fertilizer. Mulch roots with compost in the spring and again in the fall.
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https://www.thespruce.com/blue-potato-bush-growing-profile-3269148
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