Ornamental Sweet Potato Vines

Sweet potato vines are now a popular annual addition to many landscapes. A reader I will call Wayne requested this article. Sweet potato vines do well in full sun to light shade in well drained soils. The variety "Blackie" was the first one introduced to gardeners and is still popular today. This dark purple almost black leaf plant will quickly add contrast to any container or garden border. My favorite is called "Margarita" which is called by many "Chartreuse" which means yellow-green. There are also variegated leaf varieties which include Sweet Caroline green/yellow or Tricolor green/white/pink or gray variegation. All of these varieties are proven winner selections. This means they have been tried and proven across the United States. I believe the increased interest in sweet potato vines comes from their attractive color and trailing growth habits. They require a little extra water at planting and thrive in hot conditions. Their tuber root systems allow them to store water through temporary dry conditions.

These plants make gorgeous ground covers and help to please the eye in hanging baskets. Hanging baskets require more water and fertility due to a reduced root area. But with some attention a sweet potato vine will thrive in a basket. Their cascading vine feature quickly makes a basket a conversation piece.

Sweet potato plants are also attractive on a slight slope. Their color and vining growth nature will quickly make a neighborhood stir with envy.

Insects are really not much of a threat except for chewing holes in the leaves. This can be overlooked when they are used for a border or ground cover. When used in a hanging basket outside one may need to spray on occasion with an insecticide such as a pyrethrin.

Sweet potato vines will not survive Southern Illinois Zone 6 winters. One can dig the root before freezing and store in a cool place. In the spring just replant the root and soon it will be visible again.

Remember sweet potato vines are a great plant to add to any landscape. These stunning vines will add bright color and form to any garden or container.