The Blue Potato Bush (also known as the Gentian Bush or Lycianthes rantonnetii) has a bit of a reputation for being a diva. It usually takes a few years before it starts showing off those gorgeous blooms, and to get there, it needs the right spot and some TLC—especially when it comes to surviving the winter without freezing.
What’s the perfect winter home?
When it comes to overwintering your Blue Potato Bush, you’ve got two main options: “cool” or “moderately cool.” A cool spot stays between 40°F and 50°F, while a moderately cool room sits around 60°F. The rule of thumb here is simple: the warmer the room, the more light and water your plant is going to crave.
The ideal setup is an unheated (but frost-free) sunroom or a heated greenhouse. Dark basements or drafty hallways aren’t great choices. If you keep your bush in the dark all winter, it’ll drop its leaves, and it takes a long time for it to wake back up in the spring. Plus, if it spends too much time in the dark, there’s a good chance it won’t bloom at all the following season.
Should I prune my Blue Potato Bush in the fall?
Generally, I recommend pruning in the spring because that’s when the plant handles a haircut best. However, if your winter storage space is a bit tight, you can definitely trim it back before winter sets in to save some room.
How do I care for it during the winter months?
Don’t forget the watering can! You’ll still need to water your plant regularly through the winter. You want to keep the root ball from drying out completely, but make sure it’s not sitting in soggy soil. As for food? Skip the fertilizer. Your bush doesn’t need it in the winter; just stick to a standard flower fertilizer from March through September.
Keep an eye out for uninvited guests, too. The warmer the winter room, the more likely pests are to move in. I like to do a quick “bug check” every time I water. Fungal issues can also pop up, so try to vent the room with fresh air occasionally—just make sure your plant isn’t sitting directly in a cold draft.
The Quick Cheat Sheet:
- Keep it frost-free—no exceptions!
- Warmer rooms = more light needed.
- Water regularly, but don’t overdo it.
- No fertilizer during the winter.
- Only prune in the fall if you’re short on space.
- Bring it back outside as soon as the weather permits.
- Give it a good prune in the spring.
Pro Tip: Make sure to move your Blue Potato Bush indoors before the very first frost hits!
