Solanum jasminoides - Potato vine, jasmine nightshade

 

The Potato vine can be trained to size, and regular pruning will ensure dense growth. Tolerates salt spray, so is a good plant for coastal conditions.

All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested.

This plant has become a weed problem in some areas, so should be grown with care. [1]

Potato vine (Solanum), also called jasmine nightshade for the resemblance they share, is a marvelous climbing vine.

Potato vine is vulnerable to freezing. It can resist low temperatures, but below 23°F (-5°C) or or 21°F (-6 °C), you’ll need to winterize it against the cold or it will die.

The first years, it is crucial to protect its roots with a thick layer of dried leaves, for example at least 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm).

If the leaves have frozen and died, simply cut everything off in spring and your potato vine should grow anew if the roots were well protected.

The potato vine, also called nightshade jasmine, is a beautiful shrub native to Brazil. Its flowers do look very similar to those of jasmine.

It has the advantage of climbing when latticed and it offers very beautiful flowers that smell like jasmine, too.

Easy to care for and to grow, you can set it up at the foot of a wall, fence or even a tree that will serve as a surface for it to climb along.

Toxicity and allergies related to Potato vine

Solanum jasminoides contains toxic compounds. These are irritating to the touch when handled and are even dangerous to children (and pets like cats and dogs) when ingested. Berries are where compounds are most present.

If a child has ingested potato vine berries or leaves, get in touch with a doctor or emergency center immediately.

You can protect yourself by wearing light protection when pruning. Gloves and long-sleeved shirts are perfect.

Luckily, Potato vine pollen and fragrance don’t trigger allergies. You won’t have any asthma attacks purely by breathing in potato vine flowers. [2]