Managing Vigorous Ornamental Sweet Potato Vines in the Landscape

Ornamental sweet potatoes like 'Blackie' are aggressive growers—30 square feet of coverage is normal. Because they're annuals in Georgia, they pour all energy into vines rather than tubers. There's no national registry for giant specimens, but garden writers report 'Margarite' climbing fences, cascading down banks, and heading for the street. The only control is regular pruning or giving them ample room. Keep your feet moving when you walk past them!