Swedish Ivy Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender'

‘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 developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.