Does it need a trellis?

Yes, it is a twining climber that requires support to grow vertically.

How often should I prune it?

Prune it in late winter or early spring to keep its size in check.

Plant guide

Potato vine.

Solanum laxum

Pronounced so-LAY-num LAK-sum

Also known as Nightshade, jasmine nightshade, potato-vine

The potato vine is a vigorous, semi-evergreen climber that produces lovely clusters of star-shaped white or pale blue flowers. It is a fantastic choice for covering fences or trellises in warmer climates. You will love how quickly it fills in a space with its lush, twining stems.

Another photo of Potato vine — Photo by Petra Holland (CC BY) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Climbing shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 15 to 20 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 8 to 10
Bloom time: Late spring to early autumn

Care

Provide a sturdy support structure for the vines to climb as they grow. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the soil is staying too wet. Prune back after flowering to keep the plant tidy and encourage more blooms.

Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back the plant in late winter or early spring to manage size and shape.
Repotting: Repot when the roots have filled the current container or the plant becomes top-heavy.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -7 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot
Stunted growth during the active season

Safety

People: The plant contains solanine and other alkaloids that cause gastrointestinal distress if eaten.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant away from small children as the berries are tempting but poisonous.
Contact allergens: Handling the stems or leaves may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The pollen is not typically considered a significant allergen.
Edibility: All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested and should never be consumed.

How to identify it

Star shaped white or blue flowers
Glossy dark green ovate leaves
Vigorous twining woody stems
Clusters of small black berries

Height: 3 to 6m
Spread: 2 to 4m
Leaves: dark green, semi-evergreen
Flowers: white, pale blue, 2 to 3cm
Fruit: black, Autumn

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
Powdery MildewCommon
Root RotUncommon
Spider MitesUncommon

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, layering
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: In colder regions, apply a thick layer of mulch around the base to protect the roots from freezing. If grown in a pot, move it to a sheltered, frost free location.
In containers: It grows well in large containers, provided it has a sturdy trellis and regular water.

Softwood cuttings

Take 10 cm cuttings in early summer.
Remove lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone.
Place in a pot with moist, well draining potting mix.
Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
Keep in bright, indirect light until rooted.

Pair this vine with sturdy shrubs that can act as a natural host for its climbing stems.

Grows well with

Clematis · They share similar light and support requirements for a layered look.
Lavender · It provides a nice color contrast and thrives in similar sunny conditions.

Similar species

Potato Vine · This is an older botanical name for the same plant, so it looks the same and is just as hardy.

Science

Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Solanum
Order: Solanales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: South America, specifically Brazil and Argentina.
Conservation: Not of conservation concern.

It thrives in forest edges and disturbed areas where it can climb toward sunlight.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental climber, wall cover, trellis plant

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need a trellis?: Yes, it is a twining climber that requires support to grow vertically.
How often should I prune it?: Prune it in late winter or early spring to keep its size in check.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Solanum comes from the Latin word for soothing, while the species name laxum refers to its loose, sprawling growth habit.

Good to know

It is commonly known as the potato vine.
The flowers have a delicate, star shaped appearance.
It grows very quickly once established in warm weather.
It is native to South America.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Keep your potato vine growing

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.