Sweet Caroline Upside Black Coffee Sweet Potato Vine
Ipomoea batatas 'Sweet Caroline Upside Black Coffee'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Vine
Height
12 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial in warm climates
Native To
Central and South America
Toxicity
Leaves and stems are toxic if ingested.
The Story
Plant Bio
Ipomoea batatas 'Sweet Caroline Upside Black Coffee' is a vigorous, trailing perennial, typically grown as an annual, prized for its deep purple-black, heart-shaped foliage. This cultivar is prized for its striking dark foliage, which holds its color well in the sun, and its compact, mounding-to-trailing habit.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-draining soil in spring.
- Water thoroughly after planting to establish roots.
- Provide full sun for optimal growth and flowering.
- Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer during growing season.
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Harvest tubers in late fall after foliage dies back.
Pro Tip
Ensure soil is well-draining to prevent root rot and promote healthy tuber development.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Provide full sun for best flowering
- Use organic fertilizer monthly
Don't
- Overwater to avoid soggy soil ❌
- Avoid shady spots, as it needs full sun
- Don’t disturb tubers during dormancy
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Sweet Caroline Upside Black Coffee Sweet Potato Vine questions
What zones can Sweet Caroline Upside Black Coffee Sweet Potato Vine grow in?
Sweet Caroline Upside Black Coffee 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 Upside Black Coffee Sweet Potato Vine deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Sweet Caroline Upside Black Coffee Sweet Potato Vine, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Sweet Caroline Upside Black Coffee Sweet Potato Vine bloom?
Sweet Caroline Upside Black Coffee Sweet Potato Vine typically blooms in rarely flowers through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Sweet Caroline Upside Black Coffee Sweet Potato Vine need full sun?
Sweet Caroline Upside Black Coffee Sweet Potato Vine does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Sweet Caroline Upside Black Coffee Sweet Potato Vine drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sweet Caroline Upside Black Coffee Sweet Potato Vine handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Ipomoea to compare
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Ipomoea batatas 'Sweet Georgia Bronze'
Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine
Ipomoea batatas 'Chartreuse'
Margarita Sweet Potato Vine
Ipomoea batatas 'Margarita'
Sweet Caroline Raven Sweet Potato Vine
Ipomoea batatas 'Sweet Caroline Raven'
Moonflower
Ipomoea alba
Tricolor Sweet Potato Vine
Ipomoea batatas 'Tricolor'
Keep exploring
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Grow Sweet Caroline Upside Black Coffee Sweet Potato Vine with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
