Sweetpotato Vine Ipomoea batatas

Sweetpotatoes are an annual vine in the Convolvulaceae (morning glory) family.  Some lines are bred for their nutritional value, others have been bred for their beauty.  Select a variety based on the function you want as the ornamental ones are not tasty and the edible ones are not as attractive.

Edible: The edible tuberous roots generally have a burgundy skin and orange flesh though they are found in a wide variety of colors. A great source of beta-carotene—a precursor to vitamin A as well as a rich source of Vitamins B6, and C as well as potassium and fiber. Sweet potatoes with purple flesh are richer in anthocyanins. They are edible raw or cooked.

Ornamental: Grown for the foliage, sweetpotato vine is frequently used in mixed containers for its vibrant colors.  The tuberous roots are edible, though not tasty, when cooked and can be stored over the winter in a cool dry space covered in a dry medium. It is susceptible to frost and considered an annual, but can be propagated from tuber cuttings planted after the last frost.  This plant needs training if grown as a vine but can also be grown as an annual ground cover spreading quickly by runners. It is frequently damaged by deer.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems though fungus can become an issue.  Be sure to rotate crops if you are planting in the same area each year as flea beetle and thrips populations can build up. For more information see Ornamental Sweetpotatoes for the Home Landscape. 

Sometimes misspelled as Sweet Potato.

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

More information on Ipomoea.