Ornamental sweet potato vine, Ipomoea batatas, is a true sweet potato, but has bolder, more colorful foliage than its vegetable sibling. It is grown for its decorative foliage, vigorous growth habit, and its drought tolerance. It  works nicely in mixed containers and as a ground cover and has become very popular.

The large tuberous roots are edible, but most have a poor flavor or even a bitter taste. Another consideration is the pesticides that may have been used on them. One option you have is to save the tubers to grow new plants for next year. They are also very easy to root and can be grown indoors as a houseplant and used as propagation stock plants for next spring.

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service