Is the blue potato bush poisonous?

A member of the Solanum family, it is closely related to potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants, but you should never eat it because it is poisonous. Common names for this plant include blue potato bush, Paraguay nightshade, and blue solanum shrub. Potato bush plant is grown outdoors in warm climates.

Is blue potato bush invasive?

Blue Potato Bush Care This non-invasive, but fast-growing species is suitable for planting in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11.

Is a potato bush a perennial?

The purple flower potato bush is a perennial shrub – this means you’ll see the plant return year after year to bring color to your garden from summer through fall. After the fragrant purple flowers disappear, the plant will produce attractive red berries.

How do you prune a blue potato bush?

Prune the plant back by one-third every fall or shape it into a tree to control growth, encourage blossoms, and maintain the desired shape. Wait for blooms to decline in the fall, or shear lightly to deadhead during the blooming season to encourage more flowers.

How do you look after Solanum Rantonnetii?

In very mild areas, grow in moist but well-drained soil, preferably against a warm, sunny wall. Can be trained as a wall shrub. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in full light, shaded from hot sun. Water freely & feed monthly when in growth.

Is potato bush poisonous to dogs?

Potatoes may be a staple at your dinner table, but don’t feed them to the dog. The potato is a nightshade, and all nightshades contain the toxic chemical solanine. Both the potato itself, and the green part of its plant are poisonous to your pet, so keep them well away.

How do you prune Lycianthes Rantonnetii?

These plants respond well to pruning and because they grow extremely fast, will require regular clipping and pinching in order to keep them bushy and compact. A light prune after main flower flushes will also encourage further flower production. They love full sun but will tolerate semi-shade.

Is Solanum Rantonnetii Hardy?

It can be grown in containers It loves full sun but is not hardy. Caution. Harmful if eaten.

How poisonous is a potato bush?

The California Poison Control Organization rates the potato vine at a Level 4 toxicity. Ingesting the berries on this plant can cause serious health problems to humans and animals. The toxic chemicals in the berries can affect the liver, kidneys, heart or brain.

Can potato bush grow in shade?

Although potato bushes love full sun, they can be planted in light shade; and in the winter rainfall and dry arid regions they will appreciate some shade during the day and regular watering.

How do you overwinter Solanum?

In mild winters, it may retain its leaves. In severe winters, it may lose them all. It will need protection in cold areas. During severe frosts protect the leaves with layers of garden fleece and cover the base of the plant with a thick layer of dry mulch.