How to Grow and Care for Lycianthes

Blue potato bush (Lycianthes rantonnetii) is an evergreen shrub that was once considered to be part of the nightshade family. It is native to South America, but it is also cultivated in many gardens around the world for its vibrant purple-blue flowers which mature into bright red berries.

Mejiro-hozuki (*Lycianthes biflora*) is sometimes called two-flowered nightshade because it's white to purple flowers often appear in pairs. The plant produces bright red berries from mid-summer into the fall.

Lycianthes lysimachioides is a perennial shrub, thriving in humid, shady environments. Its oval, pointed leaves and clusters of petite, star-shaped violet flowers make it recognizable. These blossoms, with their bright yellow centers, not only attract pollinators but also hint at the plant's adaptive strategies for reproduction in forest understories. Its bushy form allows lycianthes lysimachioides to capitalize on dappled sunlight, ensuring growth.

Lycianthes lycioides is a shrub with a robust demeanor, often found intertwined within hedges or gracing the edges of woodlands. Its slender branches host a bounty of small, star-shaped flowers, primarily noted for their striking resemblance to the nightshade family. The foliage of lycianthes lycioides withstands the dappling shade, revealing an adaptable nature that thrives across varying light conditions. Its delicate purple blooms and appealing red berries contribute to a visual allure, ensuring it is a distinguished feature within its native habitat.

Nonochton is a tropical perennial shrub notable for its lush foliage and striking purple flowers with yellow centers. These blooms often attract pollinators, playing a significant role in the plant's life cycle. It thrives in warm, humid environments, clinging to the dappled shade and rich, well-drained soil, where it can reach up to two meters in height. Nonochton's bushy growth habit allows it to form dense clusters, creating natural green spaces within its native habitats.