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Swedish Ivy Plectranthus forsteri 'Marginatus'

Phonetic Spelling
plek-TRAN-thus FOR-ster-eye mar-jin-AH-tus
Description

An attractive herbaceous perennial with variegated fragrant leaves in the Lamiaceae family.  The leaves emit a mild citrus fragrance when bruised.  In cold climates, it is typically grown as a container annual.  It is drought tolerant once established.  It also may be grown as a houseplant in bright, mostly sunny exposures.  It is grown for its bright green foliage with ruffled white edges.

Prefers rich, humusy, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade.  Best performance occurs in part shade or sun-dappled areas with regular and even moisture.  Avoid poorly drained clay soils.

This variety is noted for its attractive foliage.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. Watch for mealybugs, scale, and mites. Plants may be aggressive in the garden in frost-free areas.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#houseplant#drought tolerant#fragrant leaves#winter interest#deer resistant#variegated#groundcover#dry soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#houseplant#drought tolerant#fragrant leaves#winter interest#deer resistant#variegated#groundcover#dry soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Plectranthus
    Species:
    forsteri
    Family:
    Lamiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Spreading
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Description:
    Pale pink to white tubular, two-lipped, in 6" racemes. Not showy.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    White
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Scallop-edged, light green leaves. Variegated with creamy white margins on reddish upright stems that eventually lay down and trail along the ground as they get older.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Mass Planting
    Small groups