Plant Min Zone: 8a
Plant Max Zone: 11b
Sunlight: All Day Full Sun, Full Sun, Part Sun
Water / Rainfall: Average, High, Very High
Soil Quality: Average, Rich
Bloom Season: Insignificant
Flower Color: Light Pink
Berry / Fruit Color: None
Spring Foliage Color: Green
Summer Foliage Color: Green
Fall Foliage Color: Green
Evergreen Foliage: No
Winter Interest: No
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Medium
Humidity Tolerance: High
Wind Tolerance: High
Poor Soil Tolerance: Clay Soils, Sandy Soils
Height: 0.75' - 1'
Width: 4' - 8'
Growth Rate: Extremely Fast
Service Life: N.A.
Maintenance Need: N.A.
Spreading Potential: N.A.
Yearly Trimming Tips: N.A.
Plant Grouping Size: N.A.
Best Side of House: N.A.
Extreme Planting Locations: N.A.
Ornamental Features: N.A.
Special Landscape Uses: N.A.
Possible Pest Problems: N.A.
Plant Limitations: N.A.
Black Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Blackie') is one of the most rapidly growing annuals in out library: it can fill a large annual planting bed after 1 month when planted in May and taking advantage of early summer rains, heat and humidity. It is also great cascading down retaining walls or large pots! Occasional pink flowers do occur but are usually second place behind the attractive foliage. It can handle some drought due to its "sweet potato" underground tuber! It can also be a patio plant, house plant, or hanging basket. If growing as a potted plant and trying to overwinter, allowing the foliage to frost is ok, it will not kill the root system. However, do not allow the pot with rootball to freeze solid or go below 30 degrees for more than a few hours; move into a cold garage or basement over the winter with minimal watering. Allow to go dormant as needed with little care, just cut off dead foliage and place back out in April or May with a time-release fertilizer.