Tags
Brazil, Flowers, fuller bush, hardwood cuttings, hours of sun, plants, standard, sunny area, vigorous grower, wind protection
The BLUE Potato bush(Lycianthes rantonetii) is a favourite with gardener’s. It is one of the few shrubs that flower for 10 months of the year. It is a vigorous grower and light pruning and pinching back of the growing tips is encouraged. This will result in a more compact and fuller bush with more flowers. They are also easily grown into Standards. Making for a stunning display when planted on mass.
They should be planted in a sunny area which received no less than 6 hours of sun a day. Wind protection is advised when still young. Moderate watering until established. Propagation is from semi-hardwood cuttings.
It is native to Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay .Cultivated as ornamental the world over.
aristonorganic 
I have planted eight blue potato bushes (standards) about five months ago. They were beautifull, healthy plants. They receive more than six hours sun and I think I give them enough water without overwatering them. The leaves turn yellow and fall off. I fertilised them with 2:3:2 and it seemed to help. It had lots of new leaves, but no flowers. After a few weeks it just happened again. At the moment it has long stems with hardly any leaves. I am not sure if I will receive any reply but I will really appreciate any advice as I would not like to lose these plants.
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Hi Riete, thank you for your comment. They always look a bit sad at the end of the season. I suggest that cut the plants right back, give them a generous amount of compost around the base. Apply some Epsom Salts and water well. To encourage flowering, place cut up banana peels at the base. Keep the water regular. Good luck
*Brigid
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