Ipomoea batatas 'Carolina Ruby' (sweet potato 'Carolina Ruby') — Climbing, Trailing

Overview

Ipomoea batatas 'Carolina Ruby' is a climbing, trailing climber wall shrub in the genus Ipomoea, part of the Convolvulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ipomoea batatas 'Carolina Ruby' 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

The sweet potato or sweetpotato is a dicotyledonous plant in the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae. Its sizeable, starchy, sweet-tasting tuberous roots are used as a root vegetable, which is a staple food in parts of the world.

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 batatas 'Carolina Ruby' 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 batatas 'Carolina Ruby'

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 batatas 'Carolina Ruby'?

Ipomoea batatas 'Carolina Ruby' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Ipomoea batatas 'Carolina Ruby' need?

Ipomoea batatas 'Carolina Ruby' grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Ipomoea batatas 'Carolina Ruby' hardy in the UK?

Ipomoea batatas 'Carolina Ruby' 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 batatas 'Carolina Ruby'?

Seed, softwood or semi-ripe cuttings.

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