Species

10 other cultivars

vineN. America Native

Sweet Caroline Sweet Potato Vine

Ipomoea batatas 'Sweet Caroline Upside Key Lime'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ipomoea batatas, commonly known as sweet potato, is a fast-growing, trailing vine with lush, heart-shaped foliage and vibrant, tubular flowers that vary in color from purple to white, depending on the cultivar.

The 'Sweet Caroline Upside Key Lime' cultivar is distinguished by its bright chartreuse-green, deeply lobed foliage. It has a compact, mounding and trailing habit, making it an excellent 'spiller' in containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes.

Uses & Benefits:

Bright green foliage and attractive vine structure enhance garden aesthetics.

Produces edible tubers rich in nutrients, ideal for homegrown produce.

Supports beneficial insects and provides habitat for pollinators.

SpeciesIpomoea batatasSweet Potato Vine

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

12 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Tender Perennial (grown as an annual)

Native To

Central and South America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-drained soil in spring.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Provide full sun for optimal growth.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Harvest tubers in late fall after foliage dies back.
Store in a cool, dark place for winter use.

Pro Tip

Use warm soil and full sun for best tuber development.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently during the growing season 🌱
Apply balanced fertilizer monthly
Mulch to conserve moisture

Don't

Overwater to prevent rot ❌
Allow soil to dry out completely
Avoid heavy, clay soils without amendments

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Lift Store
Pinch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Edible garden borderVining accent on trellisesColorful edible groundcover

Companion Plants

Marigolds Sweet Corn Bush Beans Cucumbers

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sweet Caroline Sweet Potato Vine questions

What zones can Sweet Caroline Sweet Potato Vine grow in?

Sweet Caroline Sweet Potato Vine is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Sweet Caroline Sweet Potato Vine deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Sweet Caroline Sweet Potato Vine, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Sweet Caroline Sweet Potato Vine bloom?

Sweet Caroline Sweet Potato Vine typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Sweet Caroline Sweet Potato Vine need full sun?

Sweet Caroline Sweet Potato Vine does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Sweet Caroline Sweet Potato Vine drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sweet Caroline Sweet Potato Vine handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.