Ipomea Sunpuma Black Tone

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Convolvulaceae

Order

Solanales

Genus

Ipomoea

Species

x hybrida

Description

An interspecific hybrid resulting from the cross-breeding of different species belonging to the genus Ipomoea, characterised by very vigorous growth and a trailing habit. Its abundant and decorative foliage, combined with its hardiness and ease of cultivation, make this ornamental plant ideal for decorating balconies and terraces in large planters, as well as window sills in hanging baskets; It is also ideal for creating extensive, dense ground cover in flowerbeds, either in uniform groups or in combination with other equally vigorous species, creating striking, dominant views and dramatic colour contrasts.

Variety description

A plant with highly decorative foliage and vigorous growth, ideal for arrangements in large planters and in flowerbeds. Its foliage covers a large area, making it perfect for decorating large spaces cost-effectively. It also adapts very well to extremely hot conditions without losing vigour or suffering leaf scorch. Even in summer, it has no trouble spreading out and stretching across pavements or the scorching tarmac of the road. With its almost black foliage, it provides a striking backdrop to all the colours of the flowers it is paired with, from yellow to red to white, including light pastel shades. As it is very vigorous, it needs to be used sparingly in mixed arrangements, preferably alongside other vigorous plants. It works well in planters with coleus and with sunpatiens in flowerbeds.

Curiosities and special features

The name of the genus derives from the Greek ‘ipós’, meaning ‘tendril’, and ‘hómoios’, meaning ‘similar’, in reference to the growth habit of the stems, which resembles that of the bindweed, a herbaceous plant belonging to the same botanical family as the Ipomea.

Origin and distribution

Ipomoea is the largest botanical genus in the Convolvulaceae family, comprising over 600 species, including small trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants and climbers; some are found in all the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, whilst others are found in temperate areas. They are mainly used as ornamental plants, such as the so-called ‘morning glories’, with the exception of Ipomoea batatas, or the sweet potato. The Ipomoea hybrids cultivated in the horticultural sector are derived from crosses between species belonging to the same genus, native to the tropical regions of Mexico and Central America, and introduced to Europe in the 16th century.

Leaf

Decorative leaf witha cordate-reniform, lanceolate lamina.

Leaf colour

A solid colour, elegant and striking.

Plant height

The plant’s height varies from 0.7 to 1.5 m depending on its growth habit; due to its vigour, it tends to dominate when planted alongside other ornamental species in flowerbeds or pots.

Lifespan

Annual Plant.

Where to plant

Its trailing habit and decorative foliage make it ideal for use in flowerbeds, on terraces, in borders and in hanging baskets.

Stem

The stem is herbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, small in size, with a bell-shaped corolla and plain-coloured petals.

Growth

A variety withvery vigorous growth, a characteristic that makes it a key feature in the garden, creating dense cover.

Plant habit

It has a trailing habit, which means it can be combined with ornamental flowering species that have an upright habit to create sinuous lines and visual effects in the landscape.

Branching

A variety characterised bymoderate branching.

PH

For good vegetative growth, the soil pH should preferably be slightly acidic, within the range of 5.2 to 6.2.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting into the flowerbed in spring, lightly dig over the soil, removing any weeds and large stones, then work in some slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser and, using a hoe, break up any large clods to make the soil looser. To improve drainage of excess water, thereby preventing waterlogging and subsequent root rot, continue by creating a raised bed by gently mounding the soil. Finally, carefully level the surface and prepare the planting holes at the correct spacing.

Sun exposure

Suitable for mid-shade, full sun, afternoon sun exposures; manages to keep its Leaf colour bright even when exposed to the sun during hot summer days if supported by adequate water reserves.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature ranges from 16 to 28 °C; it can even withstand the summer heat without losing vigour, demonstrating its hardiness and high adaptability to climatic conditions that are often hostile to other flowering plant species.

Its vital temperature range is between 2 and 45 °C.

Use

Owing to the aesthetic appeal of its foliage and its vigorous growth, this variety is widely used in:
Outdoor ornamental settings Outdoor landscape design Landscaping

Hardiness

It is highly hardy, demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt and grow even in soil and climate conditions that are not always ideal.

Soil

For gardens and flowerbeds, it produces the best growth results in medium-textured, enriched soil; for use in pots, we recommend a specific potting mix for spring-flowering plants, based on peat and perlite.

Difficulty

Easy to grow and maintain, the level of management effort is low, adding value to the plant.

Growing tips

To achieve the best results during the vegetative growth stage, we recommend:
Expose the plant to maximum light Keep the growing medium dry at low temperatures

Combinations with other plants

Ideal for creating compact, dense ground cover using uniform, monochromatic groups or by combining it with other varieties of morning glory with foliage of different colour tones. Depending on the variety chosen, it is also suitable for arrangements in large planters or in flowerbeds alongside other ornamental plants such asBegonia x hybrida, Canna indica, Coleus blumei, Euphorbia hypericifolia ‘Euforia White’, Impatiens x hybrida ‘New Guinea’, Lantana camara, Lantana sellowiana, Lobularia x hybrida, Mandevilla sanderi, Petunia x hybrida and Zinnia marylandica, wherethe aesthetic appeal of its leaves will highlight the blooms of the other plants in a symbiosis of natural beauty.

Planting

When transplanting into a flowerbed, it is essential to space each plant correctly, using a suitable planting pattern. An average density of 5 plants per square metre is recommended to allow for balanced vegetative growth and, consequently, well-proportioned and visually pleasing final arrangements.

Transplant by burying the root ball completely; it must be well moistened.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water with an optimal neutral pH, either manually or via an irrigation system.

When repotting, as the plant is more susceptible to stress at this time, take particular care with the first few waterings to prevent the soil or growing medium from drying out; thereafter, allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent both sudden drying out and waterlogging.

Fertilising

When preparing the soil, apply a base dressing by working organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser into the soil.

During the spring and summer, once the plant has settled in properly after transplanting, apply a balanced liquid fertiliser specifically formulated for ornamental plants to the growing medium or soil, diluting it in the irrigation water according to the appropriate doses and frequencies as indicated on the product label.

Pet safety

The seeds can be toxic if ingested by pets and farm animals.

Edibility for humans

The ornamental varieties are not edible.

Toxicity for humans

The seeds may be toxic if ingested.

Tip

As it is very vigorous and invasive, it needs to be used sparingly in mixed plantings in containers or flowerbeds. Just a few Sunpuma Black Tone plants are enough to fill a planter well; ensure each plant has 10–15 litres of potting compost so that you do not have to water it twice a day.In a shaded spot, it can also be grown in a small balcony planter, either on its own or combined with another flowering plant; but make sure the containers are large enough. Also, choose an upright companion plant, as the morning glory tends to be vigorous but has a trailing habit. It also pairs very well with dipladenia.