Lycianthus rantonnei

 

  Paraguay Nightshade

  Family: Solanaceae

  Origin:

Hardiness: Hardy to 20 degrees; Zones 9 and 10 only
Growth: Rapid and rangy, vine-like growth can reach 8 feet
Form: Sprawling form can be trained to compact shrub or standard
Leaves: Bright green oval leaves up to 4 inches long
Flowers: One inch; violet; year-round
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Water: Regular watering is best, but tolerates drought
Soil: Tolerate most soils
Fertilizer: Complete fertilizer in spring
Prune: Shear or head back to retain compactness
Problems: Poor recovery after coldest winters

Often sold in nurseries as Solanum rantonnei, Nightshade is evergreen in mildest winters, but will drop leaves in coldest areas. It is frequently grown as a standard - pruned as a lollipop or allowed to weep.

© 1997 by Jim Clatfelter.         Go to Garden California Home Page

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