scp can copy directory over ssh, but sparse parameter is not supported (unlike cp).

To efficiently copy directory with sparse files, use tar and ssh instead.

# Copy "images" directory to remote server 
tar -cvSf - images/ | ssh user@remoteHost "(cd /mnt/pve/vmdata/ ; tar -xf -)"

• S – stands for sparse

tarscp.sh script

Use tarscp.sh to transfer directory over network:

Usage:
tarscp srcDir/ user@host:/dest/dir/

You can find the script from my github
Direct download link for raw file: tarscp.sh