Spillers, Fillers and Thrillers

6/26/08
By: Pamela Nobles

One of the choice, bold plant selections used in many of my containers is the Ipomoea Batatas, which is better known as the Sweet Potato vine. This is not the edible variety of sweet potato, but an ornamental tuberous root that produces bold foliage and is quite colorful. This unique perennial is a rampant grower that produces sprawling vines with a trailing habit creating rigorous intertwining in hanging baskets, container pots, window boxes, and is sure to accentuate your flower beds as well. The fancy-leafed forms vary in size from 2 to 4 in. long, ranging in shape from heart shaped to deeply lobed. These plants are easy to grow and prolific with color choices that is sure to wet your appetite; Sweet Caroline, green yellow; Margarita, lime green; Sweet Caroline, red; Tricolor, predominantly green with white and pink edges. The Ipomoea is truly a spiller and filler to any mixture of plants for any container. Let me give you several ideas. Harmonious color is the foundation for contrasting forms by selecting the Purple fountain grass, ‘Blackie’ sweet potato vine, Verbena hybrid (pink), and a Persian Shield placed in a large pot. This combination will do well in a partially sunny area. Another combination shows versatility of the Kong Scarlet coleus standing out as the thriller connecting to a ‘Religious Radish', with its burgundy hues, then adding the contrasting ‘Chartreuse’ sweet potato vine as the spiller. Now add a Golden Creeping Jenny, all put into a pedestal container for a partial shade area and you have another spectacular container plant. You need to be aware that these plants attract some tiny round gold looking bugs that will chew little holes in the leaves, so you will need to select an insecticide that will work specifically for your needs. My expertise is not in the area of those pesky varmints, however, your nearby hardware store will be delighted to steer you in the right direction. I will continue with more on this topic next week. Till’ next time, Blessings unto you, Pamela.