Category: Annual
Family: CONVOLVULACEAE
Genus: Ipomoea
species: batatas
Origin:
Size: 0 (min) to 0 (max)
Size Description:
Notes:
Height x width: 0.5 to 1 foot tall and up to 10 feet wide
Growth habit: Trailing
Foliage: Heart-shaped to palmately-lobed, up to 6 inches long. Purple, chartreuse and variegated cultivars are popular. The plant spreads by trailing stems that root at nodes as they grow.
Flowers: Cultivars rarely flower. Species plants produce pale pink or violet trumpet-shaped flowers.
Culture: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Drought tolerant once established—leaves wilt when the vine needs water. Grow as an annual or dig tubers in the fall and store in a cool, dry location in the garage, basement or cellar. Sprouting tubers can be cut into sections with at least one eye per section and planted outdoors after the last frost date. Ornamental sweet potato vines grow slowly in the spring but are fast-growing when the soil warms up.
Pests and problems: Beetles or other chewing insects
Uses: Groundcover, container plant. Ornamental sweet potatoes are also edible but not as flavorful as the vegetable (which has green foliage).
Propagation: Division or planting sprouts that arise from eyes (nodes) on the tubers
Cultivars: Margarita is a favorite with chartreuse leaves. Also, Sweet Caroline Heart Purple.
Notes courtesy of Sue Trusty.

Characteristics: Recommended

Availability:		High Availability
Full Sun Tolerance:		Performs Well	See other plants that like full sun.
Part Shade Tolerance:		Performs Well	See other plants that like part shade.