Sweet Potato Vine Mix (Ipomoea batatas)

Sweet Potato Vine Mix (Ipomoea batatas)

Plant Description

Sweet Potato Vine Mix refers to a combination of ornamental sweet potato vine cultivars, often featuring a mix of colors such as deep purple (‘Blackie’), bright chartreuse (‘Marguerite’), bronze (‘Sweet Caroline Bronze’), and variegated (‘Tricolor’). These fast-growing, trailing vines are known for their lush, lobed or heart-shaped foliage, creating dramatic contrasts in garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets. Although related to edible sweet potatoes, these varieties are grown for their foliage rather than their tubers.

Native Range

Native to Central and South America, where wild sweet potatoes thrive in warm, tropical climates.

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 sunlight enhances vibrant foliage color, while shade may cause some varieties (especially purple types) to turn greener.

Soil Requirements

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

Watering Needs

Moderate watering is needed—keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Plants in containers dry out faster and require more frequent watering. 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 a wide range of humidity levels.

Fertilization

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2–4 weeks during the growing season. Avoid excess nitrogen, which can promote excessive vine growth at the expense of foliage color and vigor.

Propagation

Easily propagated by stem cuttings or tubers.

Stem Cuttings: Take a 4–6 inch cutting, place in water or soil, and roots will develop within days.

Tubers: Can be dug up in fall, stored in a cool, dry place, and replanted in spring.

Uses

Hanging Baskets & Containers: Creates a cascading effect with mixed foliage colors.

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

Edging & Borders: Adds vibrant contrast along pathways and garden beds.

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

Seasonal Bedding Plant: Provides striking summer and fall color displays.

Pest & Disease Management

Common Pests: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars—use neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
Diseases: Generally disease-resistant, but root rot can occur in poorly draining soil. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Leaf Yellowing: May indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiency—adjust care accordingly.

---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.