A bronze colored Sweet Potato Vine with spade shaped leaves
Pronunciation
(ip-oh-MEE-a)(bat-TAT-as)
Plant Type
All Plants, Perennial Tender
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Sunlight
I have grown this plant in 1/2 to 3/4 day full sun and their seems to be no problem with the foliage burning. Some references suggest that all day full sun could burn the plant.
Moisture
Prefers to be kept evenly moist. Becoming dry will not kill the plant but will cause damage to the foliage. As the plants fill out the pot they will need more water.
Soil & Site
average
Temperature
not frost tolerant
Flowers
Grown basically for its foliage, I have never seen it flower in my outdoor pots during one growing season.
Leaves
bronze, spade shaped
Roots
sweet potato-like tuberous roots
Dimensions
easily fills out a 14 inch pot in one growing season
Maintenance
trimming back to control size
Propagation
One of the easier plants I have ever rooted from cuttings. Easier than Coleus or Inch plant. Also started from division of the tuberous roots
Native Site
tropical America
Author's Notes
After the growing season dig into the pot and uproot one of the tubers. It is amazing to see what this plant grew from. I have let these tubers go dry for an extended period of time and have just given them some water and they have popped back to life. An incredible plant
Notes & Reference
#51-Armitage's Manual of Annuals, Biennials, and Half-Hardy Perennials (Alan Arimitage), #109-Annuals and Tender Perennials for North American Gardens (Wayne Winterrowd)