The ornamental sweet potato vine, Ipomoea batatas, is a cultivar of the species that produces the edible tuber, yet it is grown purely for its striking foliage. This fast-growing annual is prized for its vigorous, trailing habit, adding drama and texture to gardens. Its leaves display a range of hues, including lime green, deep purple, reddish-bronze, and near-black varieties. Finding the right companion plants involves selecting partners that complement its color and growth pattern.
Understanding the Vine’s Growing Requirements
Successful companion planting begins by matching the vine’s environmental needs with those of its neighbors. As a tropical plant, the sweet potato vine thrives in warm conditions, ideally where temperatures hover around 75°F. Planting should occur only after the danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures remain consistently above 50°F.
This plant performs best in full sun to partial shade. Exposure to at least six hours of daily sunlight is necessary to achieve the most intense foliage colors, particularly in the deep purple and bronze varieties. While it tolerates partial shade, the colors may appear muted or greener in lower light conditions. The vine requires well-drained, fertile soil that maintains consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged, as its tubers are susceptible to rot. A soil pH that is slightly acidic to neutral (5.5 to 7.0) supports its healthiest growth.
Companion Plants for Container and Basket Displays
The ornamental sweet potato vine is most commonly utilized as a “spiller” in container gardening, cascading over the edges of pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Its rapid growth and substantial foliage require partners that can provide height (“thrillers”) and middle-ground density (“fillers”). The goal is to create a multi-layered display with contrasting forms and colors in a confined space.
For “thriller” components, consider plants with a vertical, upright growth habit that will not be overwhelmed by the vine’s spread. Plants like dwarf papyrus or fiber optic grass offer a fine, spiky texture that contrasts sharply with the vine’s broad, heart-shaped or lobed leaves. Alternatively, the stiff, vertical blades of a spikey Dracaena provide a strong, architectural focal point.
“Filler” plants should occupy the middle space, adding mass and contrasting color.
Filler Plant Examples
- Coleus cultivars are an excellent choice, offering immense variety in leaf colors and shapes.
- Flowering annuals such as petunias or calibrachoas provide a burst of color and share the vine’s preference for frequent moisture and warm weather.
- Petunias with deep magenta, white, or salmon-colored blooms create contrast alongside the chartreuse or bronze foliage.
- Plants with soft, silvery foliage, like dusty miller, offer a muted texture that highlights the vine’s bolder colors.
Landscape Pairings for Garden Beds and Ground Cover
When planted directly into garden beds, the sweet potato vine acts as a vibrant ground cover, quickly filling empty spaces and suppressing weeds. In this setting, companion plants must be taller and more robust to prevent being completely covered by the vine’s sprawling stems, which can spread several feet. The pairing should focus on achieving significant vertical contrast.
Consider using tall, tropical-looking plants that share the vine’s love for heat and moisture. Canna lilies or hardy hibiscus provide substantial height and large flowers or leaves that rise well above the vine’s trailing foliage. The massive, dark leaves of elephant ears (Colocasia) create a bold, textural contrast, especially when a dark-leaved elephant ear is paired with a bright lime-green sweet potato vine.
Ornamental grasses, such as purple fountain grass, introduce a feathery, linear texture that moves in the breeze, offering a dynamic element against the vine’s dense mat. Taller flowering perennials like Salvia or Dahlias are also suitable, providing continuous vertical color throughout the growing season. The vine can also be used to soften hard landscaping elements, such as allowing its stems to cascade over low retaining walls or rockery edges. When planting in the ground, regular trimming of the vine’s aggressive runners is necessary to prevent it from out-competing less vigorous companions.