How to Plant & Care for a Blue Potato Bush
The blue potato bush (Solanum rantonnetii), also known as Paraguay nightshade, is a shrub native to both Brazil and Paraguay. This plant develops bluish-purple blooms with yellow middles during summer and continues to flower into fall. The blue potato bush can grow up to 8 feet tall and 6 feet in diameter. It is hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11 and can survive temperature dips as low as 23 degrees F.
Prepare a planting location by pulling all grass and weeds and removing any large rocks. Dig a hole that is slightly larger and the same depth as the pot that the blue potato bush is growing in. Mix 3 inches of organic compost with the turned soil to add nutrients.
- The blue potato bush (Solanum rantonnetii), also known as Paraguay nightshade, is a shrub native to both Brazil and Paraguay.
- The blue potato bush can grow up to 8 feet tall and 6 feet in diameter.
Place the root ball into the hole and replace the soil. Tamp down firmly to remove air pockets and water until the soil is well-moistened.
Water whenever the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Feed the bush once a month with a water-soluble fertilizer mixed according to package directions.
Prune the bush in early spring to remove damaged limbs and to keep growth in check.
Tip
The blue potato bush can be trained to climb a trellis or other structure.
The blue potato bush does best when planted in full sun and well-drained soil.
Cover when frost is expected to prevent damage to the foliage.
This plant can also be started from seeds.
Warning
The fruit produced by the blue potato bush causes severe stomach irritation if consumed.
Related Articles
References
Tips
- The blue potato bush can be trained to climb a trellis or other structure.
- The blue potato bush does best when planted in full sun and well-drained soil.
- Cover when frost is expected to prevent damage to the foliage.
- This plant can also be started from seeds.
Warnings
- The fruit produced by the blue potato bush causes severe stomach irritation if consumed.
