Solanum jasminoides

The Solanum jasminoides, also known as the Potato vine, is a climbing plant native to South America that is highly floriferous, non-thorny, low-maintenance, and fast-growing, with semi-evergreen foliage in winter. Its only weakness is its moderate hardiness, to approximately -8 °C (17.6°F). It produces numerous clusters of small, pale mauve star-shaped flowers from June until the first frost. This small vie is commonly found in gardens in the southern regions, where it thrives in the warmth, early spring, and long autumn. Gardeners in cooler regions can easily grow it in a sheltered spot or in a large pot to overwinter.

The Solanum jasminoides, recently renamed Solanum laxum, is a woody climbing plant in the Solanaceae family, just like the potato and Datura. This species is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South America, specifically southern Brazil and Ecuador. Its growth is so rapid that once well-established, the plant can reach its adult size in one or two seasons. Under our climates, it typically reaches an average height of 5 m (16ft) with a spread of 1 m (3ft). Its voluble stems wind around any available support and can cling to rough surfaces, such as walls. The stems bear evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage, depending on the severity of winter. The leaves are simple, ovate to lanceolate, measuring 3 to 6 cm (1 to 2in) in length and 2 to 3 cm (1in) in width. They are dark green in colour and may turn red in response to cold, but are not damaged by snow. The flowering period is from May-June to October-November, occasionally spanning 8 months in frost-free regions. The inflorescences are small paniculate clusters with bright star-shaped flowers measuring 2 cm (1in) in diameter. The flowers have 5 petals, washed with mauve, surrounding a core of thick yellow stamens. They are slightly fragrant and give rise to small violet berries measuring 5 mm (0in) in diameter, which are toxic like most Solanaceae fruits.

The Solanum jasminoides is valued for its vigour and long-lasting graceful flowering and can be easily paired with various climbing plants, such as the Clematis viticella purpurea 'Plena Elegans', Jasmin officinal, or Podranea ricasoliana, which can accompany it on a trellis or fence. In milder regions, it can flower almost year-round. It is necessary to train it, as otherwise it may form a large, tangled bush that is difficult to control. Note that this charming vine can become invasive in suitable climates. It is a perfect plant for coastal gardens. It is not water-demanding and only requires a few deep but spaced-out waterings during the summer to support its flowering.