Ornamental Sweet Potatoes
Did you know a relative of the morning glory makes a ground cover with beautiful colorful foliage? Here selections of ornamental sweet potatoes are being evaluated for performance in our Mississippi landscapes. Ornamental sweet potatoes, known botanically as Ipomoea batatas, are actually real sweet potatoes that breeders are selecting for vivid and attractive leaves. Ornamental sweet potatoes are vigorous growing plants that produce thick mats of color. The Sweet Caroline series offers a wide selection of heart-shaped and cut-leaf foliage in a variety of colors for the landscape. Foliage colors include light green, purple, red, and bronze. Sweet Caroline selections Raven and Bewitched have dramatic black foliageThe Illusion series has lacy textured leaves featuring deeply cut lobes that resemble fingers. Colors available in the Illusion series include Garnet Lace, Emerald Lace, and Midnight Lace. The flowering of ornamental sweet potato is considered inconspicuous, but can provide an unexpected treat. Since ornamental sweet potatoes can be vigorous, they may become unruly and over run other plants. Simply prune back to keep them in bounds. Ornamental sweet potatoes perform best with consistent moisture. Be sure to water during dry periods to help maintain good plant health. And while these plants may look their best in the fall, ornamental sweet potatoes are annuals in Mississippi. Ornamental sweet potatoes add annual color in every landscape they are planted, so why not enjoy them in yours. I’m Gary Bachman for Southern Gardening.