Is the Sweet Potato Marguerite Vine a Perennial?

About Ornamental Sweet Potato Vines

• Ornamental sweet potato vines (Ipomoea batatas) are true sweet potatoes, but the varieties sold for container plants are bred for their boldly colored foliage, not the sweetness of the tubers. Sweet potatoes are technically perennial vines, but the tubers from which they grow over winter in the ground only in very warm parts of the United States, in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 (with protection) through 11. Throughout the United States, ornamental sweet potato vines are cropped and sold as annual plants.

Marguerite

• Marguerite is a common variety of ornamental sweet potato. It has large, lime-green, heart-shaped leaves and a cascading habit. Like all ornamental sweet potato vines, it grows best in moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Plant Marguerite in full sun only in cool-summer parts of the country. Marguerite grows 5 to 10 feet long but can be trimmed if it gets too exuberant. Marguerite is a heavy feeder, so fertilize often for lush growth.

Using Marguerite

• Marguerite can be used as a fast-growing, seasonal ground cover by planting the rooted sprouts on 2-foot centers. In containers, plant Marguerite near the outside edge of the pot so its graceful, cascading habit is highlighted. It's especially lovely when paired with dark-foliage plants such as red or maroon coleus, red fountain grass or Phormium. Marguerite can be trained to grow on an upright trellis but you'll need to help the plant support itself, as it's natural tendency is to trail.

Over-Wintering

• Marguerite stem cuttings root easily in moist sand or potting soil, or even in a glass of water, and make good winter houseplants. You can also dig the tubers that form underground and save them for growing slips, or cuttings, the following season. Just don't eat the tubers by mistake -- while edible, they're starchy and bland.