Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Lamiaceae
Botanical Name
PLECTRANTHUS australis
Plant Common Name
Swedish Ivy
General Description
Sprawling and trailing across the ground, Swedish ivy's stems and green, glossy, oval leaves are intermittently accompanied by small flowerspikes lined with pale, five-lobed, tubular blossoms. Native to Australia, this tender herbaceous perennial has leaves that are fleshy and scalloped on their edges. The stems are green to dull maroon in color and will quickly root into soil as they grow along the ground. They stems are often upright at first and flop over as they extend, beginning their prostrate journey.
Grow Swedish ivy in a fertile, moist but well-drained soil that is neutral or mildly acidic in pH. It can handle some direct sunlight, but bright indirect light will yield the finest foliage. Avoid soggy soils, which can lead to rotting leaves. Grow it as a tropical groundcover under large trees, or as a lush houseplant or patio specimen in either a container or hanging basket. It is extremely easy to propagate by rooting stem cuttings. The cultivar 'Variegata' is similar in every aspect except its leaf edges are white.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White, Lavender
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
