What are the Black Heart Potato Vine?
The Black Heart Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Black Heart’) is a cultivar of the sweet potato vine that is prized for its ornamental value in landscaping and gardening. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and belongs to the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae). The Black Heart Sweet Potato Vine is characterized by its heart-shaped leaves that are deep purple to black in color, hence its name. The leaves have a glossy, shiny texture and are slightly ruffled along the edges.
In addition to its striking foliage, the Black Heart Sweet Potato Vine produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the summer. These flowers are typically pink or white in color and are not the primary feature of the plant. This cultivar of sweet potato vine prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. It is a fast-growing plant that can quickly fill in a space and create a dense mat of foliage.
Overall, the Black Heart Sweet Potato Vine is a popular choice for adding color and texture to a variety of landscaping and gardening projects, and it is easy to grow and care for.
Dimensions
Can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and spread up to 3 feet (91 cm) wide. However, the exact dimensions can vary depending on growing conditions such as light, soil quality, and moisture levels. In general, the vine will grow more compactly in full sun and spread out more in partial shade. When grown in containers or hanging baskets, the vine will take on a trailing habit, with stems that can reach several feet in length. With proper care, the Black Heart Sweet Potato Vine can create a lush and attractive ground cover or provide a dramatic trailing effect in hanging baskets or containers.
Zones
Tender perennial plant that is commonly grown as an annual in most regions. It is typically hardy in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11, where the climate is warm year-round. In these zones, the vine can be grown as a perennial and may survive through the winter.
However, in cooler climates, the plant is often grown as an annual or as a houseplant. It can be started from seed or propagated from stem cuttings, and will grow quickly in warm weather to provide a lush, colorful ground cover or trailing plant for containers and hanging baskets. In colder regions, it is best to plant the Black Heart Sweet Potato Vine after the last frost date and to protect it from cold temperatures, as it cannot tolerate frost.
How to Tend
Inside
The Black Heart Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Black Heart’) can be grown as a houseplant, provided it is given the right growing conditions. Here are some tips for tending to a Black Heart Sweet Potato Vine inside:
- Light: The Black Heart Sweet Potato Vine thrives in bright, indirect light. Place the plant near a sunny window that receives filtered light, or under a grow light.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.
- Humidity: The Black Heart Sweet Potato Vine prefers high humidity, so it’s a good idea to mist the leaves regularly or place a humidifier nearby.
- Fertilizer: Feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Pruning: Pinch back the growing tips regularly to encourage bushier growth and to prevent the vine from getting too leggy. You can also prune the plant to control its size and shape.
- Repotting: If the plant becomes root-bound, repot it into a slightly larger container with fresh potting soil.
With proper care, a Black Heart Sweet Potato Vine can be a beautiful and low-maintenance houseplant that adds color and texture to any indoor space.
Outside
The Black Heart Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Black Heart’) is an easy-to-grow plant that makes a beautiful addition to any outdoor space. Here are some tips for tending to a Black Heart Sweet Potato Vine outside:
- Light: The Black Heart Sweet Potato Vine grows best in full sun to partial shade. Plant the vine in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
- Watering: Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilizer: Feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Pruning: Pinch back the growing tips regularly to encourage bushier growth and to prevent the vine from getting too leggy. You can also prune the plant to control its size and shape.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Overwintering: In colder climates, the Black Heart Sweet Potato Vine will not survive the winter outdoors. Dig up the tubers in the fall and store them in a cool, dry place until spring, when they can be replanted.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a lush, colorful Black Heart Sweet Potato Vine that adds a striking element to your outdoor garden or landscape.
Where to Purchase?
You can buy this lush plant at our Esty shop. Happy Shopping!!