Solanum rantonnetii 'Variegatum'
blue potato bush 'Variegata'
A lax, evergreen shrub with green and white variegated foliage and clusters of lightly fragrant saucer-shaped purple flowers with yellow centres which appear from summer through until autumn
![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/_KOS5961.jpg)
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green White Variegated | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple | Green White Variegated | ||
Autumn | Purple | Green White Variegated | ||
Winter | Green White Variegated |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- All parts can cause severe discomfort if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
A genus of around 150 diverse species of flowering shrubs, native to tropical America, Asia and the Pacific. They have green foliage and flowers which can be cup or star-shaped in shades of purple, white or pink
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
May survive as a wall-shrub in very mild areas, or grow as a standard in a pot and take under cover for winter. Otherwise grow in a cool greenhouse or conservatory with shade from the brightest sun and moderate humidity. Plants will require support
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer or early autumn and rooted with gentle bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Wall side borders
- Climber and wall shrubs
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pruning group 9 if freestanding or pruning group 12 as a wall shrub
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite whilst under glass
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds under glass
Get involved
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