Solanum rantonnetii Charles White

Solanum rantonetti 'Oosthern2' is a deciduous bushy shrub that is covered with a multitude of small pure white flowers with a bright yellow centre from late spring to early autumn. It is a very floriferous plant that is easy to grow, except for its low cold resistance. Outside of the mildest regions, it should be grown in a large pot. It will flower on the terrace throughout the summer and can be brought indoors during the winter to protect it from the cold.

Solanum 'Charles White' ('Oosthen2') is a Dutch horticultural selection by Charles Hendriks. The original species with mauve-blue flowers, recently renamed Lycianthes rantonnetii and nicknamed the tree gentian, is native to South America. It is a plant adapted to hot climates with mild winters. Like the species, the variety 'Charles White' is a frost-sensitive bushy shrub with upright branches. When mature, it forms a bush 1.50m to 2m tall and 1m to 1.50m wide. Flowering begins in May-June, depending on the climate, and continues until October, as long as there is no frost. The approximately 3cm diameter flowers are rounded, trumpet-shaped, with 5 perfect white petals opening onto a throat and yellow stamens. The more common foliage of this bush is composed of medium green, oval leaves, wavy on the edge. It persists in winter if there is no frost, but will be deciduous otherwise. The crown of a well-established plant will withstand short frosts of around -5 to -6 °C. This fast-growing Tree Gentian likes warm and sunny exposures as well as rich, moist, but well-drained soils.

Solanum rantonetti Oosthern2 or 'Charles White' is, like Lantanas, Cape Plumbago, and other Polygala, a plant suitable for coastal or very sheltered gardens. It is an excellent terrace or balcony plant that can be combined with Dipladenias of all colours, for example.