A fast - growing shrub with abundant purple blossoms , Paraguay nightshade score a pretty ( albeit toxic ) garden accent .
Paraguay nightshade(also bed as blue potato bush ) is a tight - rise bush with slim arching stems and fragrant blossom . It was once classified asSolanum rantonnetii , but is now more usually refer to asLycianthes rantonnetii . Some believe the industrial plant is botanically related topotatoesand other nightshade ( hence the common names ) , but Paraguay nightshade is develop for its ornamental entreaty . So , weigh on this easy - to - grow plant to produce an copiousness of brilliant violet and yellow flowers from summertime well into fall .
As a garden accent , Paraguay nightshade has a plenty going for it . Deer do n’t usually discommode it , nor is it plagued by any significant pests or disease . Plus , it ’s pretty and prolific with blooms . In fact , in 2012 , the Royal Horticultural Society gaveLycianthes rantonnetiitheir prestigiousAward of Garden Merit .
Perry L. Struse.
That read , it ’s deserving noting that while the works ’s compartmentalisation is still up for debate , itisa part of the nightshade family line . As an cosmetic shrub , it bears more in coarse withAtropa belladonna(deadly nightshade ) and bittersweet nightshade than witheggplantsortomatoes . All function of the Paraguay nightshade industrial plant are considered highly toxic to humankind and positron emission tomography .
Where to Plant Paraguay Nightshade
Plant Paraguay nightshade in a cheery location where it can spread . The fragrant , fast - growing shrub tends to be apollinator magnet . So , plant it near a terrace or outdoor gathering arena to make the most of its light , but endearing scent . partner off it with other long - bloom plants to create a garden seam that is alive with color for months at a time .
Paraguay nightshade makes a groovy full complement to a mixed garden border . It can also be grown as ahedge or rampart - side mete shrub . The flowering shrub can reach 10 to 12 feet improbable in just 4 to 6 yr when plant in full sun and well - drain soil . annul growing this shrub in areas where children play , since they may be tempt by the toxic red berries .
How and When to Plant Paraguay Nightshade
Plant Paraguay nightshade in the bounce in well - drained dirt . Dig a hole 2 to 3 meter the size of it of the root ball and grade your industrial plant in the nitty-gritty of the hole . Backfill the hole with the fire dirt , tamp down gently to remove air pockets .
Water well after planting . go along watering on a regular basis and deep during the first grow time of year to encourage plants to develop a deep , extensive root system . Spread a 2 - inch - thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant ( avoiding the proboscis ) to keep soil wet expiration .
If planting more than one Paraguay nightshade plant , place them 6 to 10 feet apart . come out them more or less closer ifgrowing a hedgerow .
Perry L. Struse.
Paraguay Nightshade Care Tips
Native to Brazil , Bolivia , and Argentina , this shrub will bloom all twelvemonth long in warmer climates . The small patrician flower are follow by blood-red Berry . In cool regions , Paraguay nightshade can be acquire outside in a container and then bring inside before the first frost . flower will appear in summertime and fall .
Light
Paraguay nightshade thrives infull sunshine . In partial Lord’s Day or funny fix , it may produce leggy or produce fewer flowers .
Soil and Water
Paraguay nightshade is not picky about soil pH but prefers moist , fertile , well - drain dirt . It does not permit drought well , so make indisputable it get about one inch of water a hebdomad . More pee is necessary duringextreme heating plant .
Temperature and Humidity
Paraguay nightshade prefer moderate humidity and temperatures between 65˚ and 100˚ Fahrenheit . It is not inhuman hardy and fares best if winter temperatures bide above 50˚. Prolonged exposure to cool temperatures will cause the bush to cut blossoming , dip leaves , and go inactive .
Fertilizer
During the growing season , fertilize your found Paraguay nightshade shrub every 3 to 6 weeks with a liquid fertilizer . Or , if you prefer , habituate a granular , dull - release plant food every 3 to 4 months . reckon for one that islow in nitrogen and high in phosphorus(5 - 10 - 10 or 5 - 10 - 5 ) to encourage flowering . If you exist in a cooler clime , diminish or break fecundation during the winter month .
Pruning
Deadhead spent bloomsthroughout the growing season to encourage more efflorescence . Remove dead and diseased branches as necessary . To asseverate or change the contour of your Paraguay nightshade , waitress until at least the pin ( when bloom slows or arrest ) . If major pruning is necessary , usesharp , sterile shearsto clip your tree in wintertime before new outgrowth start . Avoid removing more than one - third of the shrub .
Potting and Repotting
Paraguay nightshade makes anexcellent container plant — especially if you live in a ice chest clime . Be sure to choose a large , deep container with copious drainage . love its bold purple bloom and delicious fragrance on a gay terrace or deck and then bring your shrub inside for the winter . In frost - free climate , Paraguay nightshade can persist outside year - orotund .
To set Paraguay nightshade in a container , start with a level of pebbles or broken sight shard for drain . Fill your green goddess with a high - quality potting mixing and equally balance your shrub in the pot . Plan to water daily to ensure its water requirements are met . ruffle aslow - departure fertilizerinto the soil in former bounce to issue nutrients through summertime .
The good time to weed or repot your Paraguay nightshade is in the bounce . To repot , remove the plant from its container and hock the origin chunk . Replace the pebbles or pot sherd and summate afresh stratum of soil . Center the shrub in the pot and backfill the container with fresh soil , tamping down as you work . weewee soundly . Plan to repot your Paraguay nightshade every 2 years or when itoutgrows its container . If your shrub gets too large to repot , interchange the top stratum of land every 2 years .
Stephen Cridland.
Overwintering
Paraguay nightshade will not tolerate Robert Lee Frost and should be overwintered indoors in cooler climate . Prune in early wintertime and bring your bush inside before temperature drop below 45˚ Fahrenheit . Keep your Paraguay nightshade in a hopeful location that stay between 50˚ and 65˚ Fahrenheit . Do not fertilize , but keep the plant regularly watered . Do not allow the soil to dry out out . Keep it equally moist . Move your bush outside once temperatures are systematically above 50˚.
Pests and Problems
In ideal growing circumstance , Paraguay nightshade has few progeny with pests and diseases . Otherwise , it is prone to occasional attacks from aphids , whiteflies , and spider mites .
Your flora may also stand from gray molding , blight , stem rot , powdery mildew , andother fungal disease — especially if overwatered or kept in swampy soil .
How to Propagate Paraguay Nightshade
The promiscuous mode to propagate Paraguay nightshade is via cuttings take in the summer or early fall . To prepare , irrigate your shrub well 24 hour before take a cutting . attend for a 4 to 6 - in semi - hardwood cut and cut the radical below a leaf node .
Remove any folio from the bottom of the thinning and dip it inrooting internal secretion pulverization . set the treated terminal in a 6 - in quite a little fill with moist , well - run out potting mixand tamp the soil down to secure the cutting . you may rank 2 or 3 cuttings in the same container . Water deeply until the excess drainage from the wad .
Place a clear plastic pocketbook over the container and place it in a warm area with lots of indirect sunshine . Check day by day and keep the stain evenly moist for 4 to 6 weeks or until your cuttings have formed source . Once your cut have produce theme , remove the plastic dish . When the roots are approximately 1 inch long , transplant your cuttings into freestanding containers .
Credit: Jerry Pavia
Types of Paraguay Nightshade
Paraguay Nightshade ‘Variegata’
The ‘ Variegata ’ cultivar of Paraguay nightshade feature dreary blossom and variegated gray - greenish foliage edge in creamy white .
Paraguay Nightshade ‘Alba’
Lycianthes rantonnetii’Alba ' is a livid - flowering Paraguay nightshade cultivar . The white salad days occasionally bear atypical lavender or gamey - violet stripe — which adds an constituent of surprise to every blossom .
Paraguay Nightshade ‘Royal Robe’
One of the most democratic Paraguay nightshade cultivar , ‘ Royal Robe ’ boast lush green leaf and bright purple flowers . It has a sprawling substance abuse and can be trained as a vine or tree .
Companion Plants for Paraguay Nightshade
Black-Eyed Susan
Black - eyed Susan , abutterfly garden staple , descend in both one-year and perennial kind . Hardy in zones 3 - 11 , the sunny daisy - like bloom require little concern to flourish . Plus , they blossom from June to August and sometimes well into tumble . grim - eyed Susan plant prefer full sun and moist to dry out , well - enfeeble soils . They are , however , equally at dwelling house in loam , the Great Compromiser , and sandy soil — any stain that is n’t systematically soggy .
Perennial Salvia
Perennial salviais a democratic pick for cottage and coastal garden . There arenearly 1,000 species of salviaworldwide , some of which are tall , sprawling shrub - like plants . These noble perennials make first-class garden bed companions for Paraguay nightshade . Plus , they are well-heeled to grow , drought - tolerant , and cervid - insubordinate . Salvias are also a great nectar generator , so if you plant them , gestate pollinator ( especially hummingbirds ) to visit your garden .
Spirea
Spirea(hardy in zones 5 - 10 ) is a diverse group of fast - grow shrub that opt full sun and moist , well - enfeeble soil . It’sconsidered invasivein some parts of the Northeast and South , but in other area it ’s a pretty choice for hedging and eating away control . Spirea japonica , the most common variety , bears pink flowers in early summertime and foliation that soften from orange - gold to light green .
Tall Verbena
Tall verbena(Verbena bonariensis ) is a grandiloquent , empurpled - bloomingtender perennialthat is hardy in zones 7 - 11 . Theprairie garden favoritehappily reseeds — especially in mild climates — but is highly attractive to butterflies , bee , and other pollinator . vervain plants prefer full Dominicus and moist , well - drain soil . With proper arrangement and fear , they ’ll begin their flowery show weeks before other flowering flora and ingeminate the show in the declination .
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care and placement , most Paraguay nightshade works live approximately 20 years .
Paraguay nightshade shrubs will drop leaves if the weather condition is too coolheaded or if they are not get enough sun . If your flora is dropping leaves while in full Lord’s Day ( and the temperature is systematically above 60˚ ) , it may be overwatered .
Lycianthes rantonnetii , blue potato bush . Royal Horticultural Society .
Credit: Jay Wilde
Atropa Bella - donna . North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension .
Is the Royal Robe Potato Bush Poisonous?Cornell University Animal Science .
Nightshade . ASPCA Toxic and Non - Toxic Plants .
