The Blue Potato Bush (botanically known as *Lycianthes rantonnetii* or *Solanum rantonnetii*) is a total showstopper in any garden. Whether you’ve got it as a bushy shrub or one of those elegant patio trees (standards), it’s a real eye-catcher. But I’ll be honest with you: these beauties can be a bit high-maintenance, and they absolutely *hate* the cold. If there’s even a hint of frost, they’re in trouble.
Where should I keep my Blue Potato Bush in the winter?
Since this plant is definitely not hardy, you’ll need to find it a cozy, frost-free spot to spend the winter. A basement, a sunroom, or even a greenhouse works great. The most important thing is that the temperature stays above freezing. While light isn’t strictly necessary, you definitely want to keep it away from chilly drafts.
Here’s a pro tip: if you keep it in a bright spot for overwintering, your plant will wake up earlier in the spring and start blooming sooner. If you tuck it away in a dark corner, it’ll drop its leaves and take much longer to bounce back—and sometimes, it might even refuse to bloom the following season.
When should I move it indoors?
Don’t wait until winter is actually here to move your plant! Night frosts can sneak up on you in the fall and do some serious damage. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast. Once the thermometer starts dipping toward 45°F (7°C), it’s time to bring your Blue Potato Bush inside.
How do I care for it during the off-season?
You can stop fertilizing your plant as early as September and hold off until April. However, you’ll still need to water it throughout the winter, especially if it’s in a bright spot and keeping its leaves. Just be careful not to overdo it—root rot is a real mood killer. The best rule of thumb is to wait until the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch before giving it a drink.
Quick Summary:
- Zero tolerance for frost or drafts.
- Move it to a frost-free spot early in the fall.
- Ideal winter temps: around 50°F (10°C), with a minimum of 40-45°F (5-7°C).
- Darker rooms lead to leaf drop and delayed blooming.
- Give it a good pruning in the spring.
Quick Tip: Get your plant inside sooner rather than later! Even a brief touch of frost can be fatal for these sensitive guys.
