Overview
Ipomoea aquatica is a climbing, trailing climber wall shrub in the genus Ipomoea, part of the Convolvulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ipomoea aquatica grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, sub-tropical, climber and wall shrubs and conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Ipomoea aquatica, commonly known as water spinach or kangkung, is a semi-aquatic, tropical plant grown as a vegetable for its tender shoots. I.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ipomoea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1c
Plant details
Ipomoea aquatica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing, Trailing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Climber and wall shrubs, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ipomoea aquatica
- Propagation
- Seed, softwood or semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to fusarium wilt, powdery mildews and virus diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ipomoea aquatica?
Ipomoea aquatica prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ipomoea aquatica need?
Ipomoea aquatica grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Ipomoea aquatica hardy in the UK?
Ipomoea aquatica has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Ipomoea aquatica?
Seed, softwood or semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Ipomoea genus
- Ipomoea batatas 'Bellevue'PBR
- Ipomoea batatas 'Carolina Ruby'sweet potato 'Carolina Ruby'
- Ipomoea batatas 'Sweet Caroline Green Yellow' (Sweet Caroline Series)ornamental sweet potato 'Sweet Caroline Green Yellow'
- Ipomoea batatas 'Tatakoto'PBR (Treasure Island Series)
- Ipomoea cairica
- Ipomoea hederifoliaivy-leaved cypress vine
- Ipomoea hirsuta
- Ipomoea indica 'Zarah Leander'
