Climbing Nightshade Solanum laxum

Potato vine is a sweet-scented and fast-growing semi-evergreen vine that is native to South America. This plant is a member of the Solanaceae or nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.

It can quickly cover a trellis or fence and blooms profusely from summer to fall with white star-shaped flowers. In mild winter climates, it is evergreen and is tolerant of temperatures down to 20 degrees F. 

Currently cultivated in warm temperate zones or tropical mountain regions this vine has been introduced in Egypt, Ethiopia, Australia, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe. t is hardy to zones 9a to 11b.

The genus name, Solanum, is from the Latin word solamen, which means "comforting or soothing." The species name was previously Solanum jasminoides.

The plant is best grown in fertile well-drained soil in full sun to light shade with moderate moisture. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils of chalk, loam, or sand. It can be trained to climb a trellis or fence or even grown in pots or window boxes for a cascading appearance. The potato vine can be over-wintered in a sunny window and prefers sheltered south or west-facing position. Pruning may be required to control the plant size and is best done in the spring. It is reproduced by semi-hardwood cuttings in the late summer or early fall. Propagation by layering is best done during the summer.

The stems are slender, woody, and twining. The leaves are small, glossy, and dark green. The flowers are fragrant, star-shaped white blooms with yellow stamens. The berry-like fruit is bluish, purplish, or black.  There are 10-32 seeds per berry. 

The plant is deer resistant. Hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers, and many birds disperse the seeds.

The potato vine is easy to grow and maintain.  In temperate climates, it may be trained to climb a trellis, fence, arbors, or sheltered wall. For colder climates, it may be used as a summer patio container plant.  The plant also does well in coastal gardens.  

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Summer and Fall         Fruits:  Fall       

Quick ID Hints:

• semi-evergreen vigorous climbing vine
• woody and twining stems
• small dark green ovate to ovate-lanceolate leaves
• star-shaped white blooms with yellow stamens
• small berry-like fruits of blue, purple, or shiny black

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  The plant may be susceptible to aphids, red spider mites, tomato spotted wilt, and gray mold. Be mindful that the plant is vulnerable to freezing temperatures and is risky for pets and children.