Purple Potato Bush

The Purple Potato Bush, also known as Solanum rantonnetii or Lycianthes rantonnetii, is a popular ornamental shrub known for its vibrant purple flowers and bushy growth habit. Native to South America, it has become a favorite in gardens worldwide for its colorful display and ease of care.

The most striking feature of the Purple Potato Bush is its profusion of deep purple flowers, each with a bright yellow center. These flowers bloom from spring to fall, providing a long-lasting display of color. The vivid purple blooms stand out against the dark green foliage, making the plant an eye-catching addition to any garden.

The leaves of the Purple Potato Bush are small, glossy, and dark green, adding to the plant's overall lush appearance. The shrub has a rounded, somewhat sprawling growth habit, making it suitable for use as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or even as informal hedging.

This plant thrives in well-drained soil and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. It performs best in full sun, where it produces the most abundant blooms. In cooler climates, the Purple Potato Bush can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors.

The Purple Potato Bush is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care beyond regular watering and occasional pruning. Pruning can help maintain the desired shape and size of the plant and promote denser flowering.

Overall, the Purple Potato Bush is valued for its striking flowers, bushy growth habit, and adaptability to a range of garden settings. Its ability to provide long-lasting color and its ease of care make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of vibrant color to their outdoor spaces.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Purple Potato Bush

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and flowering)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-7.5)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Purple Potato Bush is a shrub that requires no staking and grows upright with purple, tubular flowers

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 2-3 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Purple Potato Bush is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant for even watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks