Plectranthus coleoides (Swedish Ivy) – Trailing Foliage for Baskets (Set of 3 or 6)

Plectranthus coleoides, better known as Swedish ivy, is the trailing, foliage first plant for the edge of a basket, a pot or a shelf.

Soft stems carry rounded, bright green leaves edged in creamy white, lightly furry to the touch and gently aromatic when brushed past. It trails to around 20 to 30cm with a spread of 30 to 45cm, and it is the trailing Swedish ivy type rather than the upright Mona Lavender kind, so it is grown for its leaves and not for flowers. Any small pale lavender blue flowers that appear in late summer can be pinched out to keep the plant putting its energy into foliage.

It is happy in bright to medium light indoors, and can stand outside in containers and hanging baskets from spring through autumn in full sun or partial shade. It is tender, so bring it in before the frosts and keep it above about 7C. Water when the top of the compost has dried a little, feed lightly through the growing season, and trim it back when it gets leggy. Supplied as well established 10.5cm rootballs. Swedish ivy is listed as harmful to cats and dogs if eaten.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Swedish ivy, spurflower
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 20 to 30cm trailing, 30 to 45cm across
• Growth Habit: Trailing and spreading
• Perfect For: Hanging baskets, containers, mixed displays and a bright shelf indoors
• Foliage: Variegated green and white, softly furry
• Flowering Time: Late summer, and only a minor feature
• Planting Position: Full sun to partial shade outdoors, or bright to medium light indoors, and good in containers
• Soil Type: Moist, well drained, moderately fertile compost
• Hardiness: Tender. Will not take frost or temperatures below about 7C
• Maintenance: Low. Water when the surface dries, feed lightly and trim when leggy
• Seasonal Interest: Spring, summer and autumn
• Type: Tender perennial grown for foliage, indoors or outdoors