Chilean Potato Vine Glasnevin

An exotic-looking addition to any garden, Solanum crispum Glasnevin is a large, vigorous, semi-evergreen, climbing shrub, good for training up a wall or outbuilding; it needs support and tying-in. The finely-pointed, ovate leaves are mid-green and set off the flowers beautifully. From July to September and into October, the plant is profusely covered in open clusters of fragrant, pale violet-blue flowers with a pointed, golden centre, very like potato flowers to look at. Inedible, creamy-white fruits usually follow. Not for very cold, exposed areas, Chilean potato vine Glasnevin was named for the Botanic Gardens in Dublin, and holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Moist but well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Summer and autumn
Hardiness: Fairly hardy
Height: 20’ (6m); Spread: 6’ (1.8m)