The Blue Potato Bush is the name of this bush, the botanical name is Lycianthes rantonnetii, family Solanaceae. This plant was once believed to belong to the Nightshade family. When researching, I found different theories. Some say it does belong, but others say it does not.

The Blue Potato Bush has been growing in my yard for several years, but this year it outdid itself in growth and blossoms.

Close up of the flower. photos by Betty Victor

In years past, I was happy if it grew just a little over my 6-foot fence. This year, it has grown about 10 feet which I have read is the maximum height.  It is about 5 feet wide and hangs over the fence into my neighbor's side yard. I offered to trim it back, but they said no they like the way the blossoms look as it hangs over their side.

It is a very easy plant to grow, and the blossoms are purple-blue in color with yellow centers. The blossoms look more purple than blue, but blue is the common horticultural descriptor for that (purple) color. It blooms from early spring until mid-fall. After the blossom dies off it bears bright orange berries. All parts of this plant are toxic to humans. The berries do not seem toxic to the birds, butterflies, or hummingbirds.

My plant really attracts the bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators when it's in full bloom. This plant does not take a lot of water which is a good thing in our dry summers. It only requires fertilizing once a season.

You can grow this plant in a container if you prefer and you prune and trim it into a small tree. It can be propagated by cuttings if you have room and want more than just one plant.  The foliage is thick so it can be used as a hedge or a screening plant.

I  pruned mine after the blossoms in late fall have died off to keep it in shape or if you have room for it in your yard just let it go and it should do well. I prune mine to enjoy the new growth in the spring.