Trimming Lycianthes Rantonnetii

Lycianthes rantonnetii is a deciduous-to-evergreen, fast-growing and spreading shrub with slim, arching branches. Native to Brazil and Paraguay, this plant is commonly called Paraguay nightshade and blue potato bush. Lycianthes rantonnetii produces clusters of big, perfumed, dark violet-blue blossoms with bright yellow centers from spring to fall. Growing Lycianthes rantonnetii requires trimming to maintain the plant’s size and health. New branches produce the most blossoms, so prune in early spring.

Hand shears

Instructions

- 1
  Trim away any sections of the Lycianthes rantonnetii with winter damage. Cut the plant back to living wood.
- 2
  Cut up to one-third of the branches back to the point where they meet the main branch or to the ground to thin the shrub. Remove the oldest and the longest stems on the shrub.
- 3
  Make your cuts angled and at various lengths to prevent shaping the plant in a rounded form. Allow the Lycianthes rantonnetii to develop naturally.
- 4
  Cut just above a bud facing the direction you want to stimulate growth on the branch. Select outward-facing buds to produce a wider bush or inward facing ones for a more upright growth pattern.
- 5
  Trim off any frail or sickly branches on the plant at any time during the season. Always sterilize your tools when trimming diseased branches.
- 6
  Remove any suckers emerging on the branches or around the base of the Lycianthes rantonnetii. Get rid of branches touching or growing through the center of the plant.

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