Lycianthes rantonnetii (Royal Robe)
Michael's Opinion
A great plant to grow as a standard in a pot on the patio.
Botanical Information
Family | Solanaceae |
Genus | Lycianthes |
Species | rantonnetii |
Synonyms | Solanum ratonnetii |
Category | Perennials, Tropicals |
Details
USDA Hardiness Zone | 10-11 |
USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
RHS Hardiness Zone | H1c |
RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
Temperature (°C) | 5 to 10 |
Temperature (°F) | 41 to 50 |
Height | 2 - 4 m (may be pruned to keep it smaller) |
Growth | Fast |
Flowering Period | May, June, July, August, September, October |
Description and Growing Information
Cultivation | Grow in a frost-free environment on a sunny patio. Otherwise it may be grown as a potted patio plant and brought into a cool greenhouse in autumn. It will benefit from an annual pruning especially if it is grown as a patio pot; prune hard in autumn before bringing into a cool greenhouse, let dry out between waterings. Prune again in the spring and fertilize throughout the season using a dilute water soluble fertilizer. |
Pests | Whitefly may be a problem on greenhouse grown plants. Lack of water will cause premature leaf-drop receded by rapidly yellowing leaves. |
Flower Description | Flowers are 2.5 cm wide and are purple in colour with a yellow centre. They are produced in profusion throughout the summer. |