Purple Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Sweet Georgia Heart Purple')

Purple Sweet Potato Vine

Ipomoea batatas 'Sweet Georgia Heart Purple'

Vibrant purple heart-shaped foliage trails gracefully, a lush cascade for containers. Ornamental trailing vine.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright full to partial sun; intense direct sunlight enhances the deep purple foliage color
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Watering Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives in 18–30°C; protect from frost and temperatures below 10°C to prevent foliage damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Heart-shaped, deep purple, glossy, 5–10 cm long
  • Stem: Slender, trailing, succulent, purple-green
  • Flower: Funnel-shaped, pale pink to lavender (rare on ornamental cultivars)
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist; increase watering frequency during hot, dry periods

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy, weak growth and faded foliage color

Banana peel compost tea:Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 with water, and drench soil to deliver nutrients without odor or pest risk
Pruning
  • Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier, more compact growth
  • Trim leggy stems to maintain desired trailing shape
  • Remove yellow or damaged foliage to improve airflow and visual appeal
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no known adverse effects

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; foliage and tubers are safe for consumption

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental trailing foliage for containers, hanging baskets, and ground cover; edible tubers on mature plants