Solanum laxum 'Album'
potato vine ( syn. Solanum jasminoides Album )
Fragrant, star-shaped, bluish-white flowers with tiny, yellow centres from June to September and glossy, dark green leaves. This jasmine-scented climber is valuable for covering sheltered walls or for growing through other shrubs or climbers. The tiny purple-black autumn berries contrast well with the decorative seedheads of late-flowering clematis.In frost-prone areas grow under glass.
How to care for Solanum laxum Album:
To avoid dry conditions, and to ensure good soil contact around the rootball, we advise planting climbers at least 30cm (12in), and preferably 45-60cm (18-24in) away from the base of a wall or fence. An even larger d distance should be maintained when planting climbers beside an existing tree or shrub.
Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly while it’s establishing, and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Provide a sturdy support or trellis for the climber and train young shoots along it, tying in gently.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove any weak or crossing stems; occasional harder pruning in early spring can rejuvenate older plants. Once established, it is fairly low-maintenance, producing abundant clusters of violet-blue flowers through summer.
Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly while it’s establishing, and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Provide a sturdy support or trellis for the climber and train young shoots along it, tying in gently.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove any weak or crossing stems; occasional harder pruning in early spring can rejuvenate older plants. Once established, it is fairly low-maintenance, producing abundant clusters of violet-blue flowers through summer.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
6m
Eventual spread:
6m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
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This climber is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new foliage appears again in spring.
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Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten
