Lycianthes rantonnetii (Royal Robe)


Michael's Opinion

A great plant to grow as a standard in a pot on the patio.

Botanical Information

FamilySolanaceae
GenusLycianthes
Speciesrantonnetii
SynonymsSolanum ratonnetii
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone10-11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)5 to 10
Temperature (°F)41 to 50
Height2 - 4 m (may be pruned to keep it smaller)
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodMay, June, July, August, September, October

Description and Growing Information

CultivationGrow 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.
PestsWhitefly may be a problem on greenhouse grown plants. Lack of water will cause premature leaf-drop receded by rapidly yellowing leaves.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are 2.5 cm wide and are purple in colour with a yellow centre. They are produced in profusion throughout the summer.

Photographs