What: Solanum crispum “glasnevin,” commonly known as Chilean potato vine or just potato vine.
Its long bloom period, from March until late November, makes it an outstanding choice for the garden. Lavender flowers are punctuated with a golden eye and stamens, and are borne in clusters all over the shrub. It is evergreen except in very cold climates. Native to South America, it was introduced into Europe in the 1700s, and received the Royal Horticulture Society’s Award of Garden Merit in 1939.
Sun/shade: The potato vine needs full sun.
Size: This may be the dealbreaker for some homeowners, as this shrub reaches 12-18 feet in height and 6 feet in width. Pruning can be done in the spring to help maintain a reasonable size, but it does grow quickly, so the best location is one where it has room to spread.
An ideal spot would be one where it is not in a border but out in the garden on its own, or in a border with few other plants. Planting away from the house is a good idea due to its size.
See it: Find the potato vine in local full-service nurseries. It’s easy to find this time of year because it will still be in bloom.
— Sandra Schumacher
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