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Swedish Ivy Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender'

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
plek-TRAN-thus
Description

‘Mona lavender’ is a broadleaf evergreen, herbaceous perennial shrub with a dense, rounded form. It belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is a hybrid of  two South African parents: Plectranthus saccatus and Plectranthus hilliardiae. In North Carolina it is grown as a houseplant. 

It requires partial shade and soil that is high in organic matter and moist with good drainage. It requires zones 10 or 11 for full-time outside growth. In cooler climates, it may be placed outside in summer in a place that receives morning sun to full or partial shade. It may grow 1 to 2 feet tall and wide. Pinch or prune the stems to maintain a bushy rounded form. Propagate by stem cutting. 

The lavender blooms begin to appear when the days get shorter in fall and will often bloom into spring, with adequate indirect light.  Deadheading helps to extend the blooming period. The shiny dark green leaves are ornamental with purple undersides. 

Unless grown in zones 10 or 11, plant ‘Mona lavender’ in a container kept indoors most of the year. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.  

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. 

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See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Plepalila'
'Plepalila'
Tags:
#showy flowers#houseplant#fall flowers#purple leaves#small shrub#spring flowers#apvg#lavender flowers#purple stems#apvg-a#partial shade tolerant#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Plepalila'
'Plepalila'
Tags:
#showy flowers#houseplant#fall flowers#purple leaves#small shrub#spring flowers#apvg#lavender flowers#purple stems#apvg-a#partial shade tolerant#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Plectranthus
    Family:
    Lamiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    South Africa
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Erect
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spike
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Winter
    Flower Shape:
    Lipped
    Tubular
    Flower Petals:
    2-3 rays/petals
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Showy 2-lipped lavender flowers with specks of purple occur on spikes of purple stems.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Glossy dark green leaves have purple undersides. Margins toothed.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Square
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    Purple stems
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio