Ipomoea is a genus of plants that belong to the family Convolvulaceae. It consists of both the sweet potato vine family and the morning glory vine family. Ipomoea plants are native to the tropical and subtropical areas of North and South America, Africa, and Asia. Commonly known as Sweet Potato Vine, it a is a diverse and fascinating group of over 500 varieties of plants known for their beautiful flowers and unique growth patterns.
Our Selection of Sweet Potato Vine
At Martin Garden Center, we have a double decker table devoted solely to sweet potato vines. Generally, this carries 200+ four inch containers and it is covered in 6-8 varieties at any given time. We do not grow this plant at Martin Garden Center because our local vendors carry a plethora of varieties. Some of the varieties include the Sweet Georgia series, Marguerite, Dwarf Marguerite, Blackie, Ace of Spades, Black Heart, Solar Power, Tricolor, Rusty Red and more. Always more.
Growing and Caring For Sweet Potato Vine
Ipomoea is well-adapted to different soil types, ranging from sandy to loamy, as long as it is well-drained. These plants prefer full sun, although some species can tolerate partial shade. It is worth noting that some Ipomoea species can be invasive in certain regions, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas where they can outcompete native vegetation. As with any plant, it’s essential to be mindful of the potentially invasive nature of certain Ipomoea species and to plant them responsibly, following local regulations and guidelines.
Sweet Potato Vine is susceptible to several pests including deer and other leaf munching pests such as caterpillars later in the season (late May to June). Because of the excessive growth of the vine, we normally don’t recommend any treatment because the vine will regrow so quickly that you generally won’t notice any effects of munching on your vine.
One unique aspect of Sweet Potato Vine is its vigorous growth habit. Its creeping/trailing growth habit making it ideal for use as ground covers or in hanging baskets. One small 4″ vine can become 8-10 limbs each spreading 8-10 feet by mid-summer.
Uses in the Garden
Sweet Potato Vine is one of the most versatile plants you can add to your garden, offering both beauty and practical benefits. Its vigorous, spreading growth makes it an excellent ground cover for filling bare spots, suppressing weeds, and stabilizing slopes against erosion. The plant’s cascading habit also makes it perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and containers, where it spills gracefully over the edges.
It pairs beautifully with upright flowers like Petunias, Calibrachoa, and Geraniums to create a dynamic mix of color and texture. Along pathways, raised beds, or garden borders, Ipomoea creates a soft, flowing edge that enhances the garden’s structure and adds a lush, tropical feel when combined with bold foliage plants such as Cannas or Elephant Ears.
Beyond its ornamental value, Sweet Potato Vine also plays a role in functional garden design. It complements a wide range of annuals and perennials in mixed plantings, where its vibrant chartreuse, bronze, or purple foliage enhances surrounding blooms. Some varieties even produce small trumpet-shaped flowers that attract bees and butterflies, making them suitable for pollinator gardens. The plant provides long-lasting color through three seasons in warm climates and thrives as a summer annual in cooler regions. Thanks to its adaptability, Ipomoea is ideal for small-space or urban gardening—thriving on balconies, patios, and rooftops where it can be trained up a trellis or left to cascade from vertical planters.