- Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 4 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 6 - 18 Inches
- Mature Spread 18 - 30 Inches
- Growing Zones 9 - 10
- Use As A Filler In Containers
Swedish Ivy is a great low-maintenance addition to hanging baskets or other mixed containers and planters. The thick leaves of brightly variegated green and white remain fresh and perky even in high heat and humidity. The trailing habit of Plectranthus coleoides is a great spiller element and blends fantastically with a wide range of annuals and tender perennials to give your patio or deck the right finishing touch.
Swedish Ivy is a tender perennial in the USDA zones 9-10, although it is mainly sold as an annual or houseplant in other areas. The highly variegated foliage strongly resembles its more famous cousin, Coleus, and can be quickly started in water by cuttings during any time of the year. Deer and rabbits rarely bother Swedish Ivy, even if planted in the garden bed as a groundcover. Overwintering Swedish Ivy as a houseplant is an easy way to keep this plant going from year to year. Indoors, Swedish Ivy prefers a full-sun position near an east, south, or west-facing window.
Proven Accents® Variegated Swedish Ivy Care
Swedish Ivy grows well in either full sun or part shade, making it versatile for containers in exposed locations such as a sunny porch or balcony. Well-drained, lightweight potting soil should be used in containers or hanging baskets. Swedish Ivy planted in the garden bed will also require excellent drainage and average fertility. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month to replace nutrients leached from the soil by regular watering. Look for a formulation with a balanced NPK ratio, such as 5-5-5. Pinch back the tips of Swedish Ivy as needed to encourage dense foliage and a tidy shape. Pale lavender flowers may appear late in the summer and should be removed to keep the foliage growing vigorously.
Swedish Ivy easily transitions from outdoors to indoor growing. When the nighttime temperatures hit 60 degrees F, bring the plant indoors. Watering can be reduced to once every 7-10 days, depending on the humidity level in the house. Reduce fertilizing to once every 3-4 months until the spring.
Proven Accents® Variegated Swedish Ivy Spacing
Swedish Ivy is the perfect spiller element in a mixed seasonal container. The overall height is 18 inches with a spread of 30 inches. When grown as a groundcover in the garden, space the plants 18 inches apart on center to ensure good coverage for the season. Swedish Ivy in a hanging basket or container will grow fine in far less space. Allow one plant per 10-inch basket or pot. Larger baskets of 16 or more inches should be used for mixed seasonal designs.
Proven Accents® Variegated Swedish Ivy Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 - 10 |
Plant Type: Annual |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 4 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 6 - 18 Inches |
Mature Spread: 18 - 30 Inches |
Spacing: 16 - 20 Inches |
Habit: Mounded |
Flower Color(s): Purple |
Flower Description: Purple - but grown for foliage not flowers |
Bloom Period: Grown for Foliage |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green, White |
Foliage Description: Green and White Variegated |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Heat |
Attracts: Bees |
Container Role: Filler |
Uses: Containers |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Deadheading Not Necessary, Foliage Interest, Fragrant, Low Maintenance |
Brand: Proven Winners |
Common Name: Proven Accents® Variegated Swedish Ivy |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: Plectranthus coleoides |
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Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.