The Bonita plant, a cultivar of the ornamental sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Bonita’), offers vibrant color and lush texture to gardens. This popular foliage plant is cherished for its striking leaves and trailing growth, making it versatile for landscape designs and container arrangements. Its ease of care and visual appeal allow gardeners to create dynamic displays throughout the growing season.
Understanding Your Bonita Plant
The Bonita plant (Ipomoea batatas ‘Bonita’) is an ornamental sweet potato vine cultivated for its decorative foliage. Unlike edible sweet potatoes, its tubers are typically bland or bitter. This plant exhibits vigorous vining and trailing growth, suitable for cascading over edges or spreading as ground cover.
Its leaves typically present in shades of lime green or chartreuse, though ornamental sweet potato vines in general can also feature bronze, purple, or variegated foliage. Leaf shapes vary, often being heart-shaped, lobed, or deeply cut, which adds textural interest to plantings. The plant rarely produces flowers, with its primary appeal stemming from its colorful and shapely leaves.
Caring for Bonita Plants
Light Requirements
Bonita plants thrive in locations with ample sunlight. Full sun exposure, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, encourages the most vibrant foliage colors. While they can tolerate partial shade, leaf coloration may be less pronounced in shadier conditions.
Watering Needs
The soil should remain evenly moist but never waterlogged, as excessive wetness can lead to root rot. About one inch of water per week, from rainfall or irrigation, is generally sufficient. Once established, Bonita plants show some tolerance to brief periods of drought, but regular watering promotes vigorous growth and prevents wilting.
Soil Preferences
Bonita plants perform best in well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ideally between 5.5 and 6.5, is preferred. Heavy clay soils should be amended with compost or other organic materials to improve drainage and aeration.
Fertilization Tips
For robust growth, Bonita plants benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied at planting. A 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 formula is suitable, providing equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid excessive nitrogen early in the season, as this can promote lush foliage at the expense of tuber development. For container plants or faster growth, a water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every two weeks during the active growing season.
Planting and Placement
Plant Bonita plants after all danger of frost has passed in spring, when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F and soil temperatures reach at least 60°F. In garden beds, space plants 10 to 36 inches apart, depending on desired spread or use as ground cover or accents. For containers, ensure drainage holes and use a high-quality potting mix.
Bonita plants are versatile for various garden designs. Their trailing habit makes them excellent choices for hanging baskets, window boxes, and large patio containers, where foliage spills gracefully. They also function well as a fast-growing ground cover in garden beds and borders, quickly filling spaces with vibrant color.
Common Issues and Maintenance
Bonita plants require routine maintenance to manage their vigorous growth. Pruning helps maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, or control spread. Regularly remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy and visually appealing. When pruning, make clean cuts about a quarter-inch above a leaf node to stimulate new growth.
Bonita plants can occasionally face issues. Overwatering is a common problem leading to root rot, so ensure proper drainage and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Pests like aphids and spider mites may appear, particularly during dry conditions. Inspect plants regularly and address pest issues promptly to maintain plant health.
Overwintering Bonita Plants
As tender perennials, Bonita plants are typically grown as annuals in regions with cold winters, hardy only in USDA Zones 9 to 11. Gardeners in colder climates can preserve them through overwintering. One method involves bringing the entire plant indoors before the first hard frost, treating it as a houseplant. Check for pests before bringing plants indoors.
Another strategy is to overwinter the plant’s tubers, which develop underground. Before a killing frost, dig up the tubers, brush off excess soil, and allow them to cure (dry) for about 24 hours. Store cured tubers in a cool, dark, dry location, ideally between 50°F and 60°F, packed in peat moss or vermiculite to prevent desiccation. Alternatively, take cuttings in late summer, root them in water, and grow indoors over winter to produce new plants for the following spring.