Climbing Potato Vine｜A South American Star-Shaped Flower Bridging Garden Cultures

The climbing potato vine (Solanum laxum, also known as Solanum jasminoides) is a climbing plant native to South America. It produces clusters of white or pale violet star-shaped flowers and belongs to the Solanaceae family.

Since the 19th century, it has spread to Europe and Asia, adapting to a variety of garden styles. Thanks to its flexible growth habit and long blooming season, I regard it as a plant that combines both practicality and beauty in garden design.

In this article, I introduce the botanical features of the climbing potato vine, its cultural background around the world, its historical diffusion, and key points for cultivation.

Basic Information

• Scientific name: Solanum laxum (synonym: Solanum jasminoides)
• Family: Solanaceae
• Origin: Southern South America, including Brazil and Argentina
• Appearance: An evergreen climbing shrub reaching 2–4 meters in height. The leaves are slender and delicate in appearance. During its blooming season, clusters of small star-shaped flowers can cover the entire plant, giving it a misty white appearance.
• Flowering season: May–November (year-round in warmer regions)

Cultural Characteristics Worldwide

After being introduced to Europe from South America in the 19th century, the climbing potato vine established itself as a garden plant across many regions.

In Portugal and Spain, with their warm Mediterranean climate, it became popular for adorning stone walls and arches of estates.

In Italy, particularly in Naples and Sicily, the white blossoms shining in the summer sun are sometimes used in wedding decorations.

In Britain, it was cultivated during the Victorian era as part of the fascination with exotic greenhouse plants, valued for fences and trellises in garden design.

In Japan, it was introduced along with Western-style gardens in the Meiji era and soon appeared in residential gardens and public green spaces. Its ease of cultivation and suitability for vertical gardening in small spaces have made it consistently popular among gardening enthusiasts.

Historical Episodes

The introduction of the climbing potato vine was closely linked to the horticultural boom of 19th-century Europe.

During this time, numerous plants were imported from South America and Asia, and active breeding and hybridization took place in botanical gardens and private estates.

Imported from Brazil, the climbing potato vine appeared in catalogs of the Royal Horticultural Society. Its rapid growth and long blooming season matched the British desire to make the most of their short warm season, making it ideal for beds, walls, and trellises.

By the early 20th century, it was introduced in urban balconies and small gardens as a low-cost, easy-care, and decorative plant, often featured in gardening magazines.

Its classification as an ornamental plant also reflects changing attitudes toward the Solanaceae family. While many members of this family are toxic and were once treated with caution, advances in cultivation technology led to a focus on ornamental value, helping species like the climbing potato vine spread into households.

Gardening Advice

Sunlight

Prefers full sun. Insufficient light reduces flowering. A south- or east-facing location is ideal.

Watering

Water generously when the soil surface dries. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Soil

Choose well-drained, aerated soil. A mix of commercial potting soil with compost and pumice works well.

Fertilizer

Apply liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during the growing season. Follow recommended dilution to avoid overfertilization.

Pruning & Training

Cut back old stems in spring to maintain shape and promote stable blooming. Train vines early onto fences or arches to prevent disorderly growth.

Wintering

In colder areas, it may lose leaves in winter. Move potted plants to frost-free locations.

Conclusion

The climbing potato vine is a South American evergreen climber that produces graceful clusters of star-shaped flowers.

Introduced into European horticulture in the 19th century, it became widely appreciated in Mediterranean regions, Britain, and Japan.

It is especially well-suited to fences and arches, making it a versatile plant for Western-style garden design.