Swedish ivy (Plectranthus forsteri 'Marginatus')

Overview

Plectranthus forsteri ‘Marginatus’, commonly known as Swedish ivy, is highly valued for its striking, easily recognizable foliage rather than its summer blooms. This upright-spreading tender perennial features scallop-edged, light green leaves bordered distinctly with creamy white margins, making it an excellent textural accent in any garden setting. When bruised, the leaves of this Swedish ivy release a subtle, pleasant citrus aroma, adding another sensory layer to its appeal.

As an easy-to-grow plant, Plectranthus forsteri ‘Marginatus’ thrives with low maintenance inputs, making it a favorite for both garden beds and container arrangements. It offers versatility, functioning as ground cover in frost-free climates or as a popular annual bedding plant where temperatures dip too low.

Gardeners appreciate the resilience of this plant, particularly its tolerance for dry conditions once established. Whether used trailing from a hanging basket or filling in foundation plantings, the attractive variegated leaves of Swedish ivy provide consistent visual interest throughout the growing season.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Lamiaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.5-1 ft
  • Spread: 1-3 ft
• Bloom Time: June to July
• Bloom Description: Pale pink to white
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For optimal growth, plant Plectranthus forsteri ‘Marginatus’ in rich, humusy soil that remains both consistently moist and exceptionally well-drained. While it tolerates full sun, this plant performs best when situated in part shade or dappled light, especially during the hottest part of the afternoon. Ensure you avoid heavy, poorly drained clay soils, which can quickly lead to root issues for this species.

Watering requirements are flexible; while best performance occurs with regular, even moisture, established plants demonstrate notable drought tolerance. Fertilization is generally minimal, suiting its low-maintenance nature. If growing in containers, standard balanced fertilizer applied according to product directions will support robust foliage development.

In areas outside of USDA Zones 10-11, treat Plectranthus forsteri ‘Marginatus’ as a seasonal annual for bedding or container displays. If you wish to preserve the plant, cuttings are simple to take and root easily, allowing you to overwinter the Swedish ivy indoors near a bright window, where it can thrive as a cheerful houseplant until spring returns.

Landscape Uses

The primary appeal of this plant lies in its outstanding foliage, making Plectranthus forsteri ‘Marginatus’ a staple in mixed plantings. In frost-free zones, it functions beautifully as a spreading ground cover beneath taller shrubs or along pathways, offering year-round texture. Elsewhere, its trailing habit makes it superb for softening the edges of borders and foundations.

Containers, tubs, and especially hanging baskets greatly benefit from the cascading effect of the variegated stems. Use Plectranthus forsteri ‘Marginatus’ as a “spiller” in mixed container recipes, pairing it with upright “thrillers” and mounding “fillers” to create layered, dynamic displays. Its light, creamy margins provide excellent contrast to deep green or dark-leafed companions.

When used as an annual bedding plant, mass plantings of Swedish ivy create an effective, low-growing carpet effect. Due to its ability to handle dry soil, it pairs well with other drought-tolerant annuals or perennials that appreciate similar bright, indirect light conditions.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Plectranthus forsteri, commonly called Swedish ivy, is an upright-spreading tender perennial that grows to 10” tall and spreads to 36” wide. The cultivar ‘Marginatus’ is specifically noted for its attractive foliage: round, scallop-edged, light green leaves (up to 4” long) featuring creamy white margins that appear on reddish upright stems that eventually trail. Genus name comes from the Greek words plectron meaning “spur” and anthos meaning “flower” in reference to the spur-shaped flowers of some members of the genus.

Tolerances

• Drought
• Dry Soil

Potential Problems

Plectranthus forsteri ‘Marginatus’ generally presents few serious insect or disease issues in garden settings. However, especially when grown indoors as a houseplant or in humid environments, keep watch for common houseplant pests such as mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Inspect the undersides of the leaves regularly when bringing plants inside for overwintering.

For gardeners in its native range (USDA Zones 10-11), the primary management concern is controlling spread; the plant can become somewhat aggressive when conditions are ideal. Pruning or division will manage its spread effectively. Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Swedish ivy suitable for?

Plectranthus forsteri ‘Marginatus’ is winter hardy only in USDA Zones 10 and 11. In cooler regions, it should be treated as a seasonal annual or protected indoors during the winter months.

How large does Plectranthus forsteri ‘Marginatus’ grow?

This plant typically reaches a height between 0.5 to 1 foot tall, while spreading outward to cover an area about 1 to 3 feet wide. Its trailing nature often means it spreads wider than it grows tall.

When does Swedish ivy bloom?

The flowering period for Plectranthus forsteri ‘Marginatus’ is generally from June through July, producing tiny, pale pink to white, tubular flowers arranged in racemes.

Conclusion

The variegated foliage and low maintenance needs make Plectranthus forsteri ‘Marginatus’ an invaluable plant for brightening shady spots or providing contrasting color in containers. This Swedish ivy offers reliable performance as a ground cover or annual bedding plant where zones permit. Before planning your landscape, confirm local frost dates and ensure your planting site offers well-drained soil appropriate for this easy-to-care-for perennial.

Propagation Tips

Growing new Plectranthus forsteri ‘Marginatus’ plants is straightforward via stem cuttings, which is the most common method used by gardeners. Take cuttings that are about 4 to 6 inches long, ensuring each section has several leaf nodes. Remove the lower sets of leaves to prepare the cutting for planting.

These cuttings root readily in moist standard potting mix or even just water, making propagation excellent for annual refreshers or for filling out containers quickly. In the fall, taking indoor overwintering stock is essentially the same process—simply snip off healthy stems and root them to guarantee survival through winter dormancy.

Design Ideas

The bright, creamy edges of the Plectranthus forsteri ‘Marginatus’ foliage act as natural highlighters in dim areas of the garden, particularly effective under evergreen trees or on north-facing slopes. Consider using it as an edging plant where a low border is needed, providing a bright, clean line that separates lawn from garden bed.

Pairing this Swedish ivy with plants that thrive in similar dry-to-medium moisture conditions, such as succulents or certain ferns, creates a cohesive design strategy. If planting in full sun locations, ensure watering is diligent to keep the variegated leaves from scorching and to maximize their visual impact throughout the summer.