Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine Cold Damage: Wait, Don't Replace

After a 38°F night, ornamental sweet potato vines (Margarita) in a mixed container developed brown leaf spots. The gardener wondered whether to cut damaged leaves or replace the plants.

Assess and Wait

Sweet potato vines are cold-sensitive but resilient. If stems are firm and roots alive:

• Leave damaged leaves—they'll drop naturally.
• Remove only fully dead foliage in a few weeks when new growth appears.
• Don't fertilize until active growth resumes.

Companion Note

Osteospermum (in the same pot) loves cool weather but stops blooming in summer heat. Plan to replace it when temperatures rise, even if labels claim all-season bloom.

Patience pays: the sweet potato vine will recover and trail beautifully once warmth returns.