Solanum laxum

Sunset

Zones 8, 9, 12-28, H1, H2

Full, Partial

Moderate

Potato vine
Solanaceae
Evergreen, Vines

SOLANUM

In addition to eggplant, potato, and tomato (described under those names), Solanum includes a number of ornamental plants. All have small, star-shaped, five-petaled blue or white flowers with reproductive parts that form a pointed yellow structure in the blossom’s center. A few of the species described here produce decorative fruit’edible in the case of S.muricatum, but usually poisonous; if fruit is not described as edible, you are better off not sampling it.

Solanum laxum

From Brazil, this vine twines rapidly to 30 ft. Purplish-tinged, arrow-shaped, 1/2 –3-in.-long leaves. White, 1-in. flowers are carried on threadlike stalks in clusters of up to 12; bloom is almost continuous all year, heaviest in spring. Grown for flowers or for light overhead shade. Cut back severely at any time to prevent tangling, promote vigorous new growth. Control rampant runners that grow along ground.