Description

General aspect and origins - Solanum jasminoides is also known as the potato vine. It is a fast growing shrubby vine which is native to South America and which can reach up to 10-20 ft tall. It blooms over a long period, from late spring to early fall.
Leaves - Solanum jasminoides has semi-decidious to evergreen leaves. These are dark-green, and can take a red tint during fall. Leaves are entire, simple and small.
Flowers - This plant has pure white to light blue flowers, with prominent yellow stamens. Flowers are grouped in terminal panicles, and are slightly perfumed.
Fruits - Flowers are followed by small purple-black berries. They are toxic if ingested.

Culture

This shrubby vine has many qualities : it is a fast grower, and a good bloomer. It is also relatively frost-hardy, especially for a member of the Solanaceae familly. It can withstand cold temperatures down to about 17-21°F (-6°C to -8°C), and even lower in excellent growing conditions. Solanum jasminoides can thus be grown in USDA zones 9 and warmer, and can be tried in sheltered places of USDA zone 8.
Note : in mild and warm climates, this plant is reported to be potentially invasive.
Soil - This plant will grow in a large range of soils, but prefer well-drained grounds, without excessive moisture. They can grow well in poor soils too.

Propagation

Solanum jasminoides can be easily propagated by seeds, cuttings or air layers. Offshoots can also be rooted.