Plectranthus purpuratus
purple Swedish ivy
A trailing or spreading evergreen perennial with freely branching stems and soft, fleshy, aromatic dark green leaves that are slightly furry and purple tinted beneath. Tiny bluish-white, tubular flowers are produced in summer and at intervals, year round
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue White | Green Purple | ||
| Autumn | Green Purple | |||
| Winter | Green Purple |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- 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
- Eastern S Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light, with shade from hot sun; during the growing season water regularly to keep the compost moist but not soggy, and apply a general liquid or houseplant fertiliser mothly. Keep just moist in winter
Propagation
Propagate by division in mid or late spring or propagate by stem-tip softwood cuttings at any time
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- hanging basket
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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