Lycianthes rantonnetii aka Blue Potatobush

Lycianthes rantonnetii, also known as the blue potato bush or Paraguay nightshade, is a stunning flowering plant native to South America. This evergreen shrub grows to about 6 ft tall and has a rounded and somewhat lax habit. In the summer, it produces a profusion of trumpet-shaped, bright blue-purple flowers with a prominent yellow eye, followed by red berries. It can thrive in mild or coastal areas, but can also be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter. This plant requires a sheltered location in full sun. Despite its relation to food plants like potatoes and tomatoes, all parts of the Lycianthes rantonnetii are considered toxic to humans. The Royal Horticultural Society has recognized its beauty and awarded it the prestigious Award of Garden Merit. The species is named after the French horticulturalist Barthélémy Victor Rantonnet. Lycianthes rantonnetii has also been placed in the Solanum genus, which has undergone extensive investigation, leading to the transfer of species to and from different genera. This plant has variegated foliage with green and white patterns and clusters of lightly fragrant saucer-shaped purple flowers with yellow centers that bloom from summer to autumn. It is native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay, but is now cultivated worldwide for its captivating deep purple-blue flowers. The plant has different cultivars, such as 'White' with snow white flowers and 'Variegata' with cream and grey-green leaves and blue flowers. All varieties of Lycianthes rantonnetii are sweetly scented and attract butterflies. If left unpruned, the plant will also produce berries, which are attractive to various bird species.