Sweet Potato Vine Ipomoea batatas

Sweetpotato is a vigorous-growing, annual ground cover or vine in the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae) and is native to Mexico, Central America and northern South America. Its name is often misspelled as “Sweet Potato.” It is only distantly related to potato (Solanum tuberosum), which is in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Sweetpotato is grown both for ornamental foliage and for edible roots. Cultivars bred for fancy foliage rarely produce good edible roots, and vegetable crop cultivars lack colorful foliage.

Plant in full sun or partial shade in loamy, well-draining soil that is high in organic matter. It can grow 3 to 5 feet in width and 12 inches in height. If grown as a vine, it needs training, but when grown as a ground cover, it spreads quickly by runners. Propagation is through root cutting. It is susceptible to frost so it is considered an annual, but it can be propagated from tuber cuttings planted after the last frost. It is resistant to drought and dry soil but is frequently damaged by deer. 

The edible tuberous roots generally have a burgundy skin and orange flesh, though they are found in a wide variety of colors. They are edible raw or cooked.

Ornamental cultivars of sweetpotato vine are frequently used in mixed containers for their vibrant colors. Also consider planting in an edible, pollinator, water, or rock garden. It is an attractant for bees and pollinators. 

Click here to see a calendar of planting schedules, time-to-harvest, and recommended spacing.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems, though fungus can become an issue. Some cultivars have shown excellent resistance to phytophthora fungus. See Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot in the Landscape. Be sure to rotate crops if you are planting in the same area each year, as flea beetle and thrips populations can build up. 

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common sweet potato insect pests.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. 

More information on Ipomoea.