Botanical Name: Solanum rantonnetii (Lycianthes rantonnetii)
Common Name: Paraguay nightshade
Type of Plant: dicot: shrub
Character semi-deciduous
 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape loose, rounded to somewhat sprawling plant if unpruned, slender stems erect or arching outwards to produce a mostly open canopy, grows in a vine-like fashion with support
Height 6-10' (15')
Spread equal +
Growth Rate rapid
 
Environment:
Exposure outdoors full sun to partial shade
Soil tolerates most except highly alkaline
Hardiness some frost (zones 12, 13, 15-24); prefers warm, coastal areas
 
Morphology:
Leaves pinnate, alternate, ovate-elliptic-rhombic, 3-4" long, bright green, slightly undulate, slightly hairy lower surfaces
Flowers deep, blue-purple, 5 united petals, yellow center, widely bell-shaped, mostly solitary, terminal, 1" diameter – summer
Fruit berry, small, 1/4" diameter, blue-black (red)
 
Propagation:
semihardwood cuttings
 
Usage:
loose background mass or screen, trained into espalier or small tree – used as accent for flowers and long blooming period, small loose vine, tropical landscapes
 
Landscape Care:
Watering prefers regular, tolerates short period of drought
Fertilizing balanced in spring and summer
Pruning to shape desired; head back in winter – needs shaping
Pests/Diseases relatively free
Special Conditions/Other
 
Origin: Argentina
Family: Solanaceae

Notes:
 
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