Give Sweet Caroline Medusa Green sweet potato vine a try

If you are a fan of the color and ground-covering abilities of sweet potato vine but find they sometimes get a bit out of hand by late summer, you may need to try Sweet Caroline Medusa Green in your landscape next year.

When I visited the Mississippi State University Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, this particular plant caught my attention. It stood out from the crowd with vivid color, unique texture and an impressively tidy growth habit.

I first noticed Sweet Caroline Medusa Green growing in a tiered, raised display bed surrounding a fountain. The way its bright, frilly foliage spilled gently over the edge created a lush, cascading effect that softened the border and naturally drew the eye inward.

It was a striking focal point in the garden, surrounded by a colorful mix of flowering annuals. The plant’s bright chartreuse leaves are deeply lobed. This vine’s whimsical, frilly texture played beautifully off the bold shapes and colors of neighboring plants, adding a playful touch to the overall composition.

What I really appreciated about Sweet Caroline Medusa Green was how well-behaved it was compared to other ornamental sweet potato vines.

While many varieties tend to sprawl aggressively, this one maintained a compact, mounded shape. It grows to 6 to 12 inches tall and spreads 18 to 24 inches wide. That makes it perfect for containers, hanging baskets, window boxes or even a neat border in a flower bed.

Sweet Caroline Medusa Green’s deeply lobed and curled leaves twist in a way reminiscent of mythological Medusa’s hair, wild and untamed, yet beautiful and captivating. The foliage’s lime-green color glows in the sun, holding up impressively during the intense heat of a Southern summer.

Caring for Sweet Caroline Medusa Green is simple, which makes it an excellent choice for gardeners of all experience levels. To keep the plant looking its best, plant it in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.

Although it is relatively drought tolerant once established, I recommend consistent watering during hot, dry periods to maintain vigorous growth and vibrant foliage. Be careful not to overwater, as soggy soil can lead to root rot.

This variety performs best when grown in full sun, but it can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in extremely hot climates.

A slow-release fertilizer at planting time or a monthly application of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer helps encourage lush growth throughout the season. If the plant becomes leggy or overgrown in late summer, a light trim can refresh its appearance and encourage a fuller habit.

Whether used as a solo statement or woven into a colorful mix, Sweet Caroline Medusa Green is a fantastic choice for adding bold texture and long-lasting color to your summer garden.