When your Blue Potato Bush is in full bloom during late summer, the last thing on your mind is winter. But trust me, you’ll want to start planning before those gorgeous flowers start dropping in October. This decorative shrub is a showstopper, but it definitely isn’t built for the cold.
How much frost can a Blue Potato Bush actually handle?
The Blue Potato Bush (also known as Gentian Bush or Lycianthes rantonnetii) is a member of the nightshade family and hails from South America. Because of those tropical roots, it has zero tolerance for frost. Since these shrubs can grow up to six feet tall and are so sensitive to the cold, your best bet is to plant them in containers. That way, you can easily wheel them into a safe spot once the temperature dips.
Where should I keep my plant for the winter?
The golden rule for overwintering your Blue Potato Bush is to keep it frost-free. You want to make sure the temperature never drops below 41°F (5°C), even in the middle of the night. You generally have two options: a cool, dark spot or a moderately cool, bright spot. Just a heads-up: where you choose to park it will have a big impact on next year’s blooms!
If you keep your plant in a cool, dark place for the winter, it will drop its leaves. It’ll grow them back in the spring, but the flowering will be delayed. If you wait too long to bring it out of a dark basement or garage, you might find that it doesn’t bloom at all the following season.
The “Goldilocks” method is a moderately warm spot (around 50°F to 54°F) with plenty of light. In these conditions, the shrub keeps its leaves and gets a head start on growth in the spring, ensuring plenty of flowers.
Winter Care Tips
During the winter months, your Blue Potato Bush needs a little break—no fertilizer and much less water than in the summer. Just remember: the warmer and brighter the room, the more water it’ll need. Also, make sure to keep it away from cold drafts!
Quick Summary:
- Not winter-hardy
- Zero tolerance for frost
- Overwinter in a cool/dark or moderately cool/bright spot
- Will lose leaves if kept in the dark
- Needs more water if kept in a bright spot
- Protect from cold drafts
- Great winter spots: a frost-free greenhouse, a cool sunroom, a draft-free stairwell, or a basement
Pro Tip: Before you move your Blue Potato Bush back to its favorite sunny spot on the patio in the spring, give it a good pruning to encourage fresh growth!
