Sidekick™ Heart Black Ipomoea

Sidekick™ Heart Black is an ornamental sweet potato vine listed by Syngenta as selection 70069219. Its semi-trailing stems and dark, purple-black foliage suit mixed containers or the edge of a sunny planting. ## Selection and scale Syngenta’s [2024–26 annuals catalog](https://online.flippingbook.com/view/636494595/1/) lists Sidekick™ Heart Black under that exact code. It describes the Sidekick series as semi-trailing, suitable for part sun to full sun, containers, and in-ground combinations, with a garden range of 30–36 inches wide by 12–14 inches high; treat these as series ranges rather than a single mature size for every selection. A [2021–22 renaming list](https://online.flippingbook.com/view/0270420/158-159/) records Sidekick Black Heart as renamed Sidekick Heart Black. Canada’s [Plant Breeders’ Rights record](https://active.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pbrpov/cropreport/spo/app00007063e.shtml) identifies denomination ‘Seki Blahrt’ with the earlier trade name and describes the leaves as cordate and greyed purple-black. ## Site and role At species level, [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ipomoea-batatas/) recommends full sun or partial shade in loamy, well-drained soil high in organic matter and notes that sweet potato vine is frost-sensitive. Its Sidekick group note describes broadly lobed foliage in assorted colors; that general group description does not replace the exact Heart Black selection identity. Use the trailing ornamental foliage in a mixed container, large planter, or in-ground edge, allowing stems room to extend without covering nearby plants. ## Maintenance Set plants out after frost risk has passed. Let container mix drain freely and check it regularly in warm weather. Trim only stems that cross a path or grow beyond the intended planting edge; NC State notes that sweet potato vine can spread quickly by runners when used as ground cover.