Whats wrong with my Chilean potato?

Bombus Bombus · #1 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007, 07:05 AM

Hi,six or seven years ago i planted a Chilean potato plant (Glasnevin) on a west facing wall.It was superb evergreen grew quickly to about 15 foot and flowered from spring till late autumn and attracted loads of Bombus Bombuses.All of a sudden last year it flowered no where near its usual and now it looks as though its dead.I was wondering does anyone know if they have a certain lifespan or could it be because the cat has been using it to sharpen her claws and caused a bit of damage to its stem.Ive cut it right back now and put a bit of mesh around the base to try to save it but i imagine i will probably have to buy a new one.Bombus Bombus.

mrs fish · #2 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007, 07:41 AM

I can't seem to find any info on your plant, it is possible it has a short life span, did you collect any seed?

jennyb · #3 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007, 08:55 AM

Interesting. I lost mine, too, a few years ago. I always assumed that it was because we pruned it back too hard to keep it under control. It had been flourishing.

Jenny

nightshade · #4 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007, 08:58 AM

Mine is twenty years old and still going,it has been moved twice.
I always give it some manure around the roots in the winter
the lioness has a thing about it 'cause it cuddles her passion
flower,using it to climb

mrs fish · #5 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007, 10:20 AM

Perhaps you could post a pic of it for me when it is out please

I have never heard of it and it is not in my RHS book.

brainfarmer · #6 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007, 10:26 AM

BBC - Gardening - Plants - Plant Finder - Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'

doesnt really tell you much im afraid.

Bombus Bombus · #7 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007, 10:28 AM

Like you jennyb i pruned mine hard back last year so i could fix some eyelets to the wall and get it to grow upwards.It did want to grow outwards and take over everywhere but i had pruned it back before with no harm.A pair of blackbirds nested in it last year there still around but look a bit lost at the moment.