Annuals
Ipomoea batatas 'Blackie'
Blackie sweet potato vine
Deep purple-black leaves trail over container rims and spread across sunny beds. This vigorous ornamental vine is grown for its foliage rather than its roots. Trim stems when they begin to crowd neighboring plants and protect from frost.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Mature size
- Height: Up to 12 in. · Spread: 3–5 ft.; varies by selection
- Water
- Regular moisture; well-drained soil
Sizes & prices
- 3.5"$5.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Resistance & tolerances
- Deer
- Susceptible to browsing.
- Drought
- Tolerant once established; containers still need watering.
- Wet soil
- Needs good drainage; avoid standing water.
Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.
Growing & care
- Interest
- Grown primarily for foliage
- Pruning
- Trim long shoots to keep them from overwhelming companion plants.
Sources & photo credits
Photo: Photo by David J. Stang · CC BY-SA 4.0
Image notes: Exact Blackie sweet potato vine; resized without cropping.
Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.