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Ipomoea spp.
Sweet Potato Vine
Tropical America; {I. batatas} (the species behind ornamental sweet potato vine) was domesticated in Central or South America over 5,000 years ago
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Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
9 - 11These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancetender
Overview
Ipomoea spp. is sweet potato vine (ornamental sweet potato), a trailing tender annual growing 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall and 36-72 inches (90-180 cm) wide. Bold lobed to heart-shaped foliage 3-5 inches (7.5-12.5 cm) in chartreuse, gold, bronze, burgundy, purple, or near-black depending on cultivar. Flowers (funnel-shaped pale lavender to white) are rare in cultivation. In Convolvulaceae spp.. The ornamental sweet potato vine is the same species as the edible sweet potato — I. batatas — domesticated in Central or South America over 5,000 years ago. Tubers form underground and can be lifted and stored over winter for replanting. Tender — annual in zones colder than 9. Drought-tolerant once established. Susceptible to sweet potato weevils and tortoise beetles. All parts mildly toxic to pets (particularly dogs). Common cultivars: 'Marguerite' (chartreuse), 'Blackie' (purple-black), 'Tricolor' (green-pink-white), 'Sweet Caroline' series. Zones 9-11 (annual elsewhere). Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Tropical America. The species Ipomoea batatas (the parent species of ornamental sweet potato vine) was domesticated in Central or South America over 5,000 years ago for its edible tubers.Suggested Uses
Grown as a foliage trailing accent in mixed containers, hanging baskets, mass bedding, and as ground cover, in containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L), spaced 36-72 inches (90-180 cm). Bold colored foliage. Tender. Toxic to pets. Zones 9-11 (annual elsewhere).How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Late summer (August-September). Funnel-shaped pale lavender to white flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm). 8 weeks if produced. Rare in cultivation — grown for foliage.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Funnel-shaped, pale lavender to white, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across; rare in cultivation — the ornamental cultivars are grown for foliage and rarely flowerFoliage Description
Large lobed to heart-shaped or deeply cut, 3-5 inches (7.5-12.5 cm) wide, in chartreuse, gold, bronze, burgundy, purple, or near-black depending on cultivar; foliage is the primary featureGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (4-12 hours). Loam or sand pH 6.0-7.0. Drought-tolerant once established. Tender — annual in zones colder than 9. Trim trailing stems to control size. Toxic to pets. Zones 9-11 (annual elsewhere).Pruning
Trim back trailing stems anytime during the growing season to maintain shape and prevent the vine from overwhelming companions in mixed containers. Lift and store tubers over winter for replanting if desired (same method as edible sweet potatoes).Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Toxic to petsPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
transplant
Plant Spacing
15 inches