Plant Profile: Solanum laxum

The Potato Vine is a rapidly growing perennial that can be either evergreen or deciduous, belonging to the nightshade family and originating from South America. This vine has the ability to swiftly envelop a trellis or fence. It produces an abundance of white, star-shaped flowers in clusters during the spring, with additional blooms appearing sporadically throughout the season. In regions with mild winters, it retains its foliage and can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

To cultivate this plant successfully, it thrives in fertile, well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade with moderate moisture levels. It can be trained to climb a trellis or fence, or alternatively, it can be grown in pots or window boxes, allowing it to cascade beautifully. For those in colder climates, the Potato Vine can be kept indoors over the winter in a sunny location.