Potato Vine
Brazilian Nightshade
Climbing Nightshade
Star Jasmine
Scientific Name:
Solanum laxum
Family:
Solanaceae
Flower Language
-
Smile
-
Truth
-
Great blessing
Description
A climbing evergreen shrub from Brazil in the Solanaceae family that produces beautiful clusters of star-shaped white flowers tinged with blue near branch tips. The leaves are small and glossy, with vines reaching about 2 meters in length. Flower color changes from pale purple to white over time, blooming from May to November. In warm regions, it may bloom year-round.
Trivia
- Sometimes sold under the wrong name 'Yamahoroshi' in Japan
- Unique characteristic of flower color changing over time
- Relatively cold-hardy with tolerance to about -5°C
- Popular as green curtain due to long blooming period
Uses
Ornamental
- Wall and trellis climbing
- Fence decoration
- Container growing with support
Other
- Urban greening
- Nectar source for butterflies and bees
Toxicity
Toxicity Level:
Mild
Toxic Parts:
Fruits, Leaves
Symptoms:
As a Solanaceae plant, may contain mild toxins. Avoid ingestion.
Bellflower
Dalmatian Bellflower
Adria Bellflower
Wall Bellflower
Scientific Name:
Campanula portenschlagiana
Family:
Campanulaceae
Flower Language
-
Pleasant conversation
-
Gratitude
-
Sincerity
Description
A perennial from Europe in the Campanulaceae family, forming compact plants 10-15cm tall. In early summer, it produces numerous small bell-shaped flowers facing upward and sideways on compact plants. Flower colors include purple, light purple, and white. It grows well in partial shade and can overwinter in Kanto region and westward with mulch protection. Has a spreading growth habit.
Trivia
- Named 'pleasant conversation' because flowers appear to chat with each other
- English name 'Bellflower' comes from resemblance to church bells
- Suitable for shade gardens as it tolerates partial shade
- Regular deadheading promotes extended blooming period
Uses
Ornamental
- Rock gardens
- Ground cover
- Container garden edging
Other
- Nectar source for bees and butterflies
- Wildlife food source
Japanese Silverleaf
Green Leopard Plant
Farfugium
Japanese Silver Leaf
Scientific Name:
Farfugium japonicum
Family:
Asteraceae
Flower Language
-
Not giving in to difficulties
-
Modesty
Description
A perennial evergreen native to Japan in the Asteraceae family, distributed from Fukushima Prefecture southward on the Pacific side of Honshu, from Ishikawa Prefecture westward on the Japan Sea side, and throughout Shikoku, Kyushu, and the Nansei Islands. Mainly grows wild on coastal rocky areas and cliffs. Leaves are thicker than Petasites japonicus, with dark green color and glossy surface. Blooms yellow flowers from October to early December and has been traditionally used as folk medicine and edible wild vegetable.
Trivia
- Name 'Tsuwabuki' means 'glossy-leaved Petasites', referring to shiny leaves
- Hardy plant adapted to harsh coastal rocky environments
- Variegated cultivars developed for ornamental use
- Yellow flowers in early winter provide valuable color in flower-scarce season
Uses
Ornamental
- Shade garden planting
- Container growing as foliage plant
- Understory plant in Japanese gardens
Medicinal
- Fresh leaves used as poultice for bruises and swelling
- Treatment for cuts and styes
- External folk medicine applications
Caution:
Folk medicine use is experiential. Consult physician before use.
Other
- Wildlife food source
- Soil protection