Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Jet Black™ Sweet Potato Vine

Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Jet Black™ is an ornamental sweet potato vine with heart-shaped foliage the breeder describes as close to true black. It trails and is listed at 6–16 inches tall with a 20–36 inch spread, though size varies with growing conditions. ## Landscape Uses Proven Winners lists it for borders, containers, edging, landscape planting, mass planting, and groundcover; its trailing stems also spill over the edges of mixed pots. The foliage appears darker and brighter in full sun and may look greener in shadier conditions. [Proven Winners cultivar profile](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ipomoea/sweet-caroline-sweetheart-jet-black-sweet-potato-vine-ipomoea-batatas) ## Growing Conditions The cultivar profile recommends part sun to sun and rates water and soil fertility as average. For sweet potato vine generally, NC State Extension recommends full sun or partial shade and loamy, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; the species is frost-sensitive and commonly grown as an annual. [NC State Extension: Ipomoea batatas](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ipomoea-batatas/) ## Maintenance Trim trailing stems when they begin to overwhelm less vigorous container companions. The cultivar profile says deadheading is unnecessary and suggests regular fertilization for pots or compost or fertilizer in garden beds. [Proven Winners cultivar profile](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ipomoea/sweet-caroline-sweetheart-jet-black-sweet-potato-vine-ipomoea-batatas)