Sweet Potato Vine, Ornamental, "Tricolor" variety (Ipomoea batatas 'Tricolor')

Also known as: An alternate name for this tri-color variety is "Pink Frost." Other common names for sweet potato vines in general: Camoten, ‘Uala, Tuberous Morning Glory.

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Plant Type: Perennial, herbaceous tropical vine with a trailing habit.

Plant Family: Morning Glory / Bindweed Family (Convolvulaceae)

Visual Identification: Ivy-like leaves, colored in variegations of cool-toned green, cream, and pink. The pink coloring is most prominent on new growth. Rarely sets flowers.

Native Region(s): the tropical regions of Central and South America

Landscape Use: Used as border plantings or ground cover, and as a "spiller" in containers and hanging baskets.

Height: 4-8 inches

Spread: 2-3 feet. May trail up to 72 inches in their ideal warm, humid climate.
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Spacing: 2-3 feet

Hardiness Zones: 11. Grown as an annual in zones 3-10. Heat hardy, given sufficient water. Cooler summer temperatures will result in less vigorous growth and more com
pact plants.>

Hardy Down To: 40°F. Plant in spring or early summer when all danger of frost is past. Nighttime temperatures should be above 40 to 45 degrees to avoid cold damage. Minimum nighttime temperatures below 55 degrees can delay growth.

They prefer hot, humid conditions similar to their native habitat and may fail to thrive in dry desert climates.

In cooler regions, boost performance by planting in a warm location such as a south-facing wall or heat-absorbing patio.

Light: Full sun (6+ hours) is recommended. Can be grown in light shade with 4-6 hours of direct sun exposure per day, but foliage may be duller.

Water: Moderate watering needs. This plant prefers soil that is consistently moist. Provide an inch of water per week to in-ground plants, and more in high-heat conditions.

In containers, water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. May not thrive in dry conditions, as its natural habitat contains high humidity.

Soil: Prefers well-draining soil that is a mildly acidic to neutral pH, 6.0 to 6.5.>>

Maintenance: Plant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Vines can be trimmed to your desired length at will. Like many other plants, pruning will promote side-shoots, and will result in a bushier-looking plant. You may also cut off damaged or leggy stems.

Healthy cuttings will easily root in water and are usually ready to plant in soil in 1-2 weeks.

In zones where this plant is considered an annual, tubers can be dug up before the first frost and stored in peat moss in a cool, dark location until the following spring. Containers may be brought inside to overwinter as houseplants.

Fertilize: >moderate feeding requirements. When planting, mix a slow-release fertilizer into the surrounding soil. Use a water-soluble fertilizer for potted plants.

Seasons of Interest: Foliage interest from spring through fall.>>>>

Toxicity: seeds are toxic.

The sap contains latex and can cause contact dermatitis in latex-sensitive individuals.

All parts of the plant with the exception of the seeds are considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, according to the ASPCA.

Leaves, stems, and tubers are technically edible, but not as flavorful as the varieties grown for food. Should you be curious about the flavor of ornamental sweet potato vine foliage or tubers, rest assured that Solacious Seeds does not use any toxic or non-organic pesticides or fungicides in the production of its plants.

Sweet potato vines should not be confused with regular potato plants, which are in the nightshade (Solanaceae) family. A potato plant's foliage is toxic to humans and animals due to the harmful glycoalkaloids solanine and chaconine. Should you ever taste bitterness while eating a regular potato tuber, stop eating it immediately. The bitterness is an indication that the potato contains unsafe levels of solanine.

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Quick Care Guide:

🌱 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗺𝘆, 𝗺𝗼𝗶𝘀𝘁, 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹-𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗶𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿. Potting Mix Recipe: 1 part peat moss or coco coir, 1 part perlite, 1 part compost

🌤️ 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗻. Foliage color is richest when plants receive at least 6 hours of full sun per day.

🌡️ 𝗦𝘂𝗯-𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹, 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗱. Grows best at an average temperature of 75° F. Growth halts at 55°F. Not frost tolerant. Prefers humid conditions.

💧 𝗔𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀, 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗰. Keep soil evenly moist. Water 1” per week. Water every 1-2 days during high heat.

☠️ 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹𝘀. The leaves, stems, and tubers are technically edible, though not bred for flavor as this is an ornamental variety. The sap contains latex and may cause dermatitis in those with a sensitivity.

Other Sweet Potato Vine varieties: