It's the same species as edible sweet potatoes but bred for colorful foliage (chartreuse, purple/black, tricolor, etc.) rather than tasty tubers—the roots are typically bitter and not worth eating.
Growing Conditions in Fort Collins
Fort Collins has a short growing season, cool nights, and potential for late spring/early fall frosts, which doesn't perfectly match this tropical plant's preferences...
The information frames the pursuit of aesthetic botanical goals (colorful foliage) within the strict boundaries of ecological reality (Colorado's short growing season and frost risk). This setup highlights the fundamental tension between horticultural ambition and environmental constraint. The specific advice regarding annual designation in Zone 5b introduces a stark, non-negotiable limitation, forcing a choice between the plant’s desired life cycle and the region’s climate. The implied solution...