Sweet Potato Vine spills fast-growing, vibrant foliage that instantly makes containers and hanging baskets look full and lush. It’s an easy, heat-tough “filler and spiller” for nonstop color all season.
Sweet potato vine lends a tropical feel to outdoor spaces and comes in greens, golds, red, browns and dark purples. We sell those colors, plus a tricolor, or variegated variety. With tolerance of full to partial sun and no flowers to deadhead, this is an excellent way to fill a hanging basket or bed with all-season color. Although the tubers are edible, they aren’t tasty or meant for that purpose, and the leaves can be toxic.
Grow as a brilliant foliage container spiller
Place the vine near a trellis to grow up and wind around the structure
Available in 6 colors
Typically about 10-16 inches tall and trail up to 6-10 feet
Growing zone 11, annual in other zones
About Sweet Potato Vines
Genus
Species
Family
Ipomoea
Ipomoea batatas
Convolvulaceae
Common Names:
Ornamental Sweet Potato
Native To:
Central America, South America
Plant Type:
Annuals
Foliage Type:
Herbaceous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
9 - 11
Flower Color:
Purple, Pink
Flower Bloom Time:
Summer to Fall
Growth Habit:
Spreading, Trailing, Ground Cover
Attracts:
Butterflies
Tolerates:
Heat, Humidity, Poor Soil (with good drainage)
Resists:
Deer, Rabbits
How To Use Sweet Potato Vine In The Garden
Sweet potato vines are appreciated for their ornamental foliage, which comes in a spectrum of striking colors, including chartreuse, deep purple, and variegated tones. The stems can grow to 16 inches high and trail or spread up to 4+ feet. These plants are fast-growing and thrive in warm conditions, making them a dependable choice for quick ground coverage. While primarily known for their decorative leaves, they can also produce small flowers, adding extra color and interest.
These vines are ideal for cascading over the edges of containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes, adding depth and softness to arrangements. They can also be used as ground cover to fill in spaces or contrast with other plants. Interwoven with taller specimens, they create layered planting schemes for both formal and casual garden designs.
Sweet Potato Vine Care
Sweet potato vines prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter and grow best when planted in warm temperatures after the risk of frost has passed. Ensure the planting site has good drainage to prevent root rot. These plants need consistent watering, especially during dry spells, but the soil should not become oversaturated. Fertilizing with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can encourage healthy foliage. Full sun supports faster growth, though partial shade is tolerated, particularly in hotter climates.
Pruning helps maintain the shape and encourages fuller growth, especially if vines become scraggly. As winter approaches, sweet potato vines in cooler regions should be treated as annuals or brought indoors to overwinter in a frost-free area. Growing in containers is an excellent option, allowing for easier mobility and control over soil conditions. Regular trimming of the vines in containers prevents overcrowding and supports a tidy, compact appearance.
Plants that go well with Sweet Potato Vine in containers or garden beds thrive in full to partial sun and grow flowers or foliage in contrasting colors. Here are our favorite plants to grow with sweet potato vines.
Growing Zones: 11
Growing Zones: 11
Growing Zones: 11
Growing Zones: 11
Growing Zones: 11
Growing Zones: 10 to 11
Growing Zones: 11
Growing Zones: 9 to 11
Growing Zones: 11
Growing Zones: 11
