Plectranthus verticillatus

RHS Plant Profile
Swedish ivy
Swedish ivy RHS

Synonyms

Plectranthus Swedish ivy
Plectranthus australis misapplied

Bedding Herbaceous Perennial Houseplants

A prostrate evergreen perennial forming a mat to 10cm tall, with rounded, coarsely toothed leaves purple beneath, and loose spikes of purple-dotted, white flowers 2cm long in summer

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming, Trailing
Genus
Plectranthus can be annuals, evergreen perennials or shrubs, with opposite, ovate or heart-shaped, sometimes fleshy leaves, and 2-lipped, tubular flowers borne in whorls forming spikes or panicles
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Southern Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Best grown in a well-drained soil in partial shade, used as foliage plant either in beds or in a container. Can be grown under glass but shade from hot sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 19-24°C (19-24°F) when ripe or propagte by stem-tip cuttings at any time of year (see softwood cuttings)

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

Prune young plants to create bushy growth

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free