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Overview
A sprawling shrub or rambling vine that bears a profusion of deep violet-blue, trumpet shaped flowers in summer.
It has deep green leaves that will provide dense cover when grown in full sun.
It can be trained on a trellis, pool fence or pergola, wherever there's a support or it can be left to develop a shrubby habit.
Soil: It can tolerate most soils with adequate drainage.
Maintenance: Train to a support when young and tip prune to maintain dense growth.
Diseases: Can sometimes be affected by Aphids, bu this is rarely a problem.
Toxicity: Though related to food plants like the potato and tomato, all parts of the plant are considered toxic to humans.
If ingested, may result in severe discomfort.
Symptoms of poisoning include:
- Weakness
- Behavior changes
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Depression of the central nervous system
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
For these reasons, and in addition to preventing ingestion, the use of skin and eye protection is recommended during work with the plant (planting, pruning, etc.).
Other Species: 1,400 species in this genus including many ornamnental and edible shrubs, trees, perennials and climbers - also includes the ever popular Potato.
Author: Bob Saunders.