Solanum jasminoides Album

The Solanum jasminoides 'Album' is the white-flowered form of the False Jasmine, equally decorative if not more so than the type, with flowers of a white-blue color. It is a graceful climbing plant, both light and of quite exceptional generosity. It forms numerous clusters of small pure white star-shaped flowers, slightly fragrant, which bloom from June until the first frost. They blossom on elegant foliage that somewhat resembles that of jasmine, evergreen in mild climates. This pretty vine is very often found in gardens in the Midi region where it thrives in the heat, intense sunshine, early spring, and never-ending late season. With a very accommodating temperament, its only weakness is its limited hardiness. Gardeners in more continental climates will easily adopt it in a large pot to be stored away for the winter.

The Solanum jasminoides, recently renamed Solanum laxum, is a climbing vine-plant in the Solanaceae family, just like the potato and the Datura. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, specifically southern Brazil and Ecuador, contrary to what its beautiful name Star of Bethlehem suggests. More hardy than it may seem, a well-established plant will regrow from the stump after short freezes of around -12°C (10.4°F).

Its growth is so rapid that the plant, once well-established, can reach its adult size in one or two seasons. When grown in our climates, it will reach an average height of 5m (16ft) with a 1m (3ft) spread. Its voluble woody climbing stems wrap around the support provided to them, as well as anything within their reach, and can cling to the rough surfaces of walls. They bear evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage depending on the severity of winter. The leaves are single, ovate to lanceolate, measuring 3 to 6 cm (1 to 2in) in length and 2 to 3 cm (1in) in width. Dark green in color, they turn red in cold weather and are not damaged by snow. Flowering occurs from May-June to October-November, sometimes lasting for 8 months in regions spared from frost. The inflorescences are small paniculate clusters bearing very bright 2cm (1in) diameter star-shaped flowers, composed of 5 white petals surrounding a center of thick bright yellow stamens. They are slightly fragrant and give rise to small violet berries measuring 5mm (0in) in diameter, toxic like all fruits of the Solanaceae family.

The Solanum jasminoides Album is appreciated for its rapid growth and endless aerial flowering, easy to associate with a variety of climbing plants, in a hedge or on a wire fence: clematis such as C.viticella Julia Correvon, Jasmine officinalis, Trachelospermum jasminoides, Cape honeysuckle, or Podranea ricasoliana in mild climates will accompany it on a trellis or fence. It is necessary to train it, otherwise it may form a large bush that is somewhat tangled and difficult to control. Note that this lovely vine can become invasive in suitable climates. It is a perfect plant for seaside gardens. It is resistant to summer drought: a few generous but spaced waterings during the summer will support its flowering. Growing it in a large pot presents no difficulty, provided there are regular waterings and fertilization with... tomato fertilizer. In cold climates, shelter your potted plant in a lightly heated veranda or in a cold greenhouse during winter.