Proven Accents® Variegated Swedish Ivy

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