Jesse Saylor
Family
Lamiaceae
Botanical Name
PLECTRANTHUS forsteri 'Marginatus'
Plant Common Name
Spurflower, Variegated Swedish Ivy
General Description
This brightly variegate foliage plant for pots and hanging baskets is closely related to the popular creeping Charlie houseplant. The parent species is a tender perennial of tropical Australia and Fiji where it is rarely touched by frost. Its spreading habit and beautiful variegated leaves recommend this selection, ‘Marginatus,’ for planting in the ground in frost-free climates or as an annual in containers. This beauty bears bright-green, heart-shaped leaves with serrated, cream-colored margins. It is vigorous with a prostrate habit, spreading or dangling gracefully. As a tender plant it must come indoors for the winter or be killed by even the mildest frost.
Though ‘Marginatus’ is grown as a foliage plant, it blooms off an on throughout the year with small white to pale purple flowers. If they interfere with the foliage effect they can be cut off at bud stage.
This plant demands very well-drained, light, humus rich soil with even moisture. Typical potting soil is ideally formulated, provided the container offers good drainage. Regular light fertilization keeps foliage fresh and well colored. While this ground ivy takes full sun in the diffused light and cooler temperatures of the coast, it will demand far more protection and bright shade in dry inland locales. Few plants cascade down large pots as nicely as this, offering vigorous foliage beauty for elegant compositions over a long season.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
13 - 15
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Sunset Zone
22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Australia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Foliage Color (Spring)
White, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
White, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
White, Green
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Winter)
White, Green
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Variegated
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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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
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Edging, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
