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Ipomoea batatas ‘Blackie’ (Sweet potato vine)

Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Proven Winners

(Based on 2 user reviews)

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Hardiness Zones:

Botanical Name: Ipomoea batatas ‘Blackie’ eye-poe-MEE-ah bah-TAY-tas

Common Name: Sweet potato vine Genus: Ipomoea

This tender tuberous perennial with heart-shaped, lobed, almost black leaves bears trumpet-shaped lavender to pale purple flowers. It is excellent in containers or weaving among other plants in beds and borders.
Noteworthy characteristics: Seeds are highly toxic if ingested.
Care: Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Shelter from cold, drying winds. Provide support or use as a groundcover. 'Blackie' is usually grown as an annual.
Propagation: Sow seed in spring after chipping them or soaking them in water for 24 hours. Root softwood cuttings in spring or summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Problems: White blister, rust, fungal leaf spots, stem rot, thread blight, charcoal rot, and wilt.

Overview
User Reviews
Photos

Growth Habit	Runs
Growth Pace	Moderate Grower
Light	Full Sun Only
Moisture	Adaptable
Characteristics	Showy Foliage
Bloom Time	Fall; Summer
Flower Color	Red Flower
Uses	Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Poisonous, Suitable as Annual, Trellis
Seasonal Interest	Summer Interest
Type	Vines

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posted by mcfingon
8/25/2008
Region: Northeast
Zone: 3

Did well in container and was less attacked by pest then the paler variety.

posted by coachscarlett
7/19/2008
Region: Southwest
Zone: 9

I purchased an individual plant at a garden center in the early part of the summer. In a couple of months it has managed to cover over half of my large flower bed. I love the color variations from light purple, greens, & black. I could see how it could get out of hand but with regular care, it's a good addition to the garden. As a side note, I also have bright yellow version of the sweet potato vine. It also handles heat very well but it grows extremely fast and needs regular maintenance to keep it from taking over the entire flower bed.

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