Appearance

Growth form

A low, trailing evergreen perennial about 4–12 in (10–30 cm) tall that spreads about 20 in to 3 ft (50 cm–1 m).

Leaves

Round, slightly fleshy, glossy green leaves about 2.5–3.5 in (6–9 cm) long, with broad teeth along the edge. The undersides are purplish and hairy, and the leaves are aromatic.

Flowers

Small white to pale lavender or pale pink flowers on upright spikes, off and on through the year. Too little light or too much nitrogen fertilizer can keep it from blooming.

Look-alikes

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• Houseplant
• Hanging baskets
• Shady garden beds (frost-free areas)

Range

Native to southern Africa, from eastern South Africa and Eswatini to southern Mozambique. It has escaped from cultivation in Hawaii and Puerto Rico, as well as in Central America and Australia.

Preferred conditions

Indoors it likes bright, indirect light; outdoors it needs shade, because direct sun burns the leaves. It tolerates brief chills down to about 40°F (4°C) but must come inside before a freeze.

Growing it

Care

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, and never let it sit in water, which leads to root rot. Pinch stems back after flowering to keep it bushy. Watch for mealybugs and spider mites.

Propagation

Stem-tip cuttings root easily, usually within a month.

Name and classification

About the name

Swedish ivy is often sold as Plectranthus australis, but that name was misapplied to this plant. It is also called Swedish begonia and whorled plectranthus.