Paraguay Nightshade, Blue Potato Bush

Scientific Name: Lycianthes rantonnei (Carrière) Bitter
Synonym: Solanum rantonnei, Solanum rantonnetii
Family: Solanaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 12-13,15-27
USDA: 9-10

Frost Tolerance: Semi evergreen in Phoenix, needs some frost protection. In colder areas, it freezes to the ground in winter, and restarts in the spring

Heat Tolerance: Very good

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Paraguay, Brazil

Growth Habits: Sprawling, deciduous to evergreen, medium-sized shrub, fast growing up to 6-8 feet tall (1.8 to 2.4 m); alternate, elliptic to ovate, slightly rough-surfaced leaves, 1.6 to 6 inches long (4-15 cm), 0.8 to 3 inches wide (2-7.5 cm)

Watering Needs: Drought resistant, but does better with regular water, needs good drainage.

The Paraguay Nightshade is well adapted to the Phoenix heat. It is moderately frost sensitive, so it probably needs protected area. It grows rapidly to a medium size bush that stays loaded with purple flowers all year around.

Blooming Habits:
The Paraguay nightshade produces deep violet blue flowers, 1 inch in diameter (2.5 cm), with a yellow center. They come in clusters, all year around if the temperature is warm enough.

Fruiting Habits:
The fruit is a berry.

Culture:
This Lycianthes enjoys regular watering and fertilizing. It also does better with a fair amount of organic matter in the ground.
It can be trained as a vine.