Sweet Potato Vine 'Blackie' (Ipomoea batatas 'Blackie')

Sweet Potato Vine 'Blackie' (Ipomoea batatas 'Blackie')

Plant Description

Sweet Potato Vine 'Blackie' is a fast-growing, trailing ornamental vine known for its deeply lobed, dark purple to nearly black foliage. Sweet Potato Vine is prized for its striking color contrast in containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds. While it does produce small, trumpet-shaped, lavender or purple flowers similar to morning glories, blooming is rare in cultivated settings. Unlike edible sweet potatoes, this variety is primarily grown for its foliage, though it can develop small, inedible tubers.

Native Range

Native to Central and South America, particularly tropical regions where Ipomoea batatas is naturally found.

USDA Hardiness Zones

Zones: 9–11 (Can be grown as an annual in cooler climates)

Size

Height: 6–12 inches tall
Width: 3–6 feet wide (trailing/spreading habit)

Light Requirements

Prefers full sun to partial shade. More sun enhances the deep purple color, while shade may cause greener foliage.

Soil Requirements

Grows best in well-draining, fertile soil with moderate moisture. Prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.8–7.2). Can tolerate poor soils but thrives with added organic matter.

Watering Needs

Moderate watering is needed—keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. More frequent watering is required in containers and during hot weather. Drought-tolerant once established.

Humidity & Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C). Sensitive to frost—dies back in cold weather but can be overwintered indoors.
Tolerates average humidity levels well.

Fertilization

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2–4 weeks during the growing season. Too much nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of vigor.

Propagation

Easily propagated by cuttings or tubers.

Take a 4–6 inch stem cutting and root in water or moist soil.

Tubers can be dug up and stored over winter in cool, dry conditions, then replanted in spring.

Uses

Hanging Baskets & Containers: Excellent trailing plant for mixed arrangements.

Ground Cover: Sprawls quickly to create a dense, weed-suppressing mat.

Edging & Borders: Provides a bold foliage contrast.

Trellises & Vertical Gardens: Can be trained to climb with support.

Seasonal Bedding Plant: Adds striking color to summer and fall displays.

Pest & Disease Management

Common Pests: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars—use neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary.
Diseases: Generally disease-resistant, but overwatering can cause root rot or fungal issues. Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
Leaf Yellowing: May indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiency—adjust watering and fertilization as needed.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.