Potato bushes, which are part of the Solanum family, are tree-shaped flowering bushes that feature bright blue or purple flowers with yellow centers that are .5 to 1 inch in diameter. The perennial bush blooms in both the summer and fall seasons and fares best in direct sun. The bush is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 9 through 11. Often used in an ornamental capacity, potato bushes need trimming regularly, as needed, to keep their shape. Despite the name, potato bushes do not actually produce potatoes.
Lay the tarp underneath the plant to collect clippings as they fall to the ground for easy clean up. If you do not have a tarp, simply use a leaf rake to collect and pick up clippings from the ground.
Clip dead branches, or branches that seem to compete for space with other branches and risk damaging the bark on the woody areas of the bush.
Trim the bush back by clipping up to one-third the length of each branch in the winter. However, do structural pruning in the spring instead.
Decide how you would like to shape the bush in the springtime. You can clip the bush into a spherical shape when clipped short, or you may choose to leave it loose and natural.
Cut only the overgrowth, lightly, so that it matches the length of the branches on the rest of the plant for a loose, natural look. Remove any dead branches completely. For a smooth, spherical shape, clip branches and shoots at even lengths until a familiar topiary shape is achieved. Clip the branches and sprouts along the bush's trunk up to the sphere of growth to create a tree-like trunk.
Dispose of clippings by scooping them up in the tarp and then placing them into a garbage can or compost pile.
Things You Will Need
- Pruning shears
- Small tarp or leaf rake
- If you desire a tree-shaped bush, your potato bush may require extra support. Place a tied support stake to the bush's trunk to help keep it upright.
- All parts of the potato bush are toxic. No part of the plant should ever consumed.
- Excessive topiary pruning of the potato bush is not advised as it could lead to leaf loss on the inside of the stems.
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