Solanum laxum
potato vine
A fast-growing woody climber reaching 8m. It has green, semi-evergreen leaves and white or palest blue, flowers in clusters through late summer into autumn.
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | White Blue | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing, Bushy
- Genus
Solanum can be annuals, perennials, evergreen or deciduous shrubs or twining climbers, with simple or pinnnately lobed leaves and star- or bowl-shaped, 5-lobed flowers with prominent stamens, followed by fleshy fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow outdoors in moist but well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun; well-suited to growing against a sunny wall. Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light shaded from hot sun, or bright indirect light. Support plants and tie in regularly
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Climber and wall shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 12 after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite under glass. Outdoors generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), tomato spotted wilt virus and grey moulds under glass
Get involved
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