Jaborosa integrifolia

Jaborosa integrifolia is an astonishing perennial related to the tomato that comes to us from South America where it runs in the pampas. It spreads into a carpet of shiny leaves that come alive with beautiful white and fragrant stars. This generous and easy-to-grow plant deserves to be planted more in gardens, imposing some limits on its wandering rhizomes. A unique ground cover to plant at the base of a hedge or in a rockery, in any region with mild winters.

Jaborosa integrifolia is an herbaceous perennial of the Solanaceae family. This species is native to eastern Argentina, and widespread in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and the Andes. With indeterminate growth, due to its trailing underground rhizomes, it can sometimes become invasive when it is happy. It is undemanding in terms of soil, as long as it is properly drained. It withstands short frosts of around -8°C (17.6°F). In mild climates, it retains its foliage in winter. Elsewhere, the foliage is deciduous. Once well-rooted, the plant tolerates dry summers, but occasional watering will support flowering.

It does not develop stems. Its large leaves emerge directly from the ground, carried by a long petiole. They are assembled in rosettes 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) high. These leaves, which can measure 20cm (8in) in length, are thick and fleshy, shiny, ovate lanceolate in shape, and fresh green in colour, with a pronounced midrib. The rosettes together form a fairly loose carpet that can be made denser by limiting the plant's living space. Flowering begins in May, more or less early depending on the climate, and continues until the end of summer if the soil remains somewhat moist. The flowers are solitary, upright, pure white, and composed of a long tube widening into 5 petals that form a star with very tapered tips. They measure 6 to 7cm (2 to 3in) wide. They emit a sweet scent in the late afternoon. The flowers are ephemeral and only live for a day or two. However, new blooms are continuously produced. The plant sometimes produces a few fruits that resemble tiny tomatoes. Like many plants in the Solanaceae family, Jaborosa integrifolia contains molecules that are toxic if ingested.

Jaborosa is an unusual and undemanding plant, with an exotic charm that will appeal to enthusiasts of botanical curiosities. It can be planted along a path, at the base of a sunny hedge, on a moist embankment, or in a shady rockery. This perennial will also spread between bushes, extending to seek light and moisture. If planted in too much shade, it will flower less. To thicken out its carpet of leaves, we recommend keeping it in a defined space. Plant it in full sun or partial shade. It can accompany periwinkles, golden-saxifrages, and many other ground cover plants.