How to Grow Swedish Ivy
Wikimedia Commons
Swedish Ivy
Plectranthus verticillatus
herbSwedish Ivy is a trailing, evergreen houseplant with small, rounded, scalloped leaves and delicate purple or white flowers. Despite its name, it is not a true ivy and originates from South Africa. It is prized as an ornamental houseplant and for its mild culinary and medicinal properties.
When should you plant Swedish Ivy in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Swedish Ivy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Swedish Ivy
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Swedish Ivy
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Swedish Ivy dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11; primarily grown as a houseplant in cooler climates
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Get my Swedish Ivy timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-3 weeksNew cutting or seedling develops roots and initial leaf growth; plant appears small and tender
Maintain high humidity, use well-draining soil, keep warm (65-75°F), provide bright indirect light, do not fertilize heavily
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksStems elongate, trailing habit develops, new leaves emerge regularly in pairs, plant becomes fuller
Pinch back stems to encourage bushiness, maintain consistent moisture, provide bright light, fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer
Flowering
6-12 weeks or ongoingSmall flowers appear on spikes, typically purple, white, or pale pink; flowers are delicate and attract pollinators
Continue regular watering and light fertilization, ensure good air circulation, flowers may appear intermittently year-round
Maturity
OngoingPlant reaches full trailing length (12-24 inches or more), produces abundant foliage and regular flowers
Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage density, provide occasional deep watering, reduce fertilizer slightly in winter
Decline/Rejuvenation
VariableOlder growth may become woody or sparse; plant may appear leggy or tired
Prune back severely or propagate from cuttings to rejuvenate, increase light levels, check for pests or disease
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate affected plant; use cotton swab with rubbing alcohol on affected areas
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Increase humidity, spray with water to dislodge mites, use miticide if severe, ensure good air circulation
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, use yellow sticky traps, treat every 7-10 days
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Remove manually with alcohol-soaked cotton swab, spray with horticultural oil, repeat treatment as needed
Uses
Herbal Tea & Flavoring
CulinarySwedish Ivy leaves can be dried and brewed into a mild, pleasant tea with subtle aromatic qualities. Fresh leaves may also be used as a garnish or flavoring agent in beverages. [source]
Traditional Remedy
MedicinalIn traditional medicine, Swedish Ivy has been used to support respiratory and digestive health. The plant contains aromatic compounds and is sometimes used in herbal preparations. [source]
Air-Purifying Houseplant
HouseholdSwedish Ivy serves as an ornamental houseplant that helps filter indoor air and adds visual appeal to hanging baskets, shelves, and windowsills with its trailing foliage. [source]
Ornamental Décor
CraftThe attractive trailing stems and delicate flowers make Swedish Ivy ideal for hanging baskets, terrariums, and living wall arrangements. It is frequently used in interior design and plant displays. [source]
Pollinator-Friendly Flowers
WildlifeThe small flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, making it a useful plant for supporting indoor or outdoor pollinator populations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest leaves and stem tips as needed once plant is established; pinch off 1-2 inches of stem tips to encourage bushiness; harvest flowers when fully open for ornamental use; can be harvested year-round as a houseplant
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite its name 'Swedish Ivy,' Swedish Ivy is neither from Sweden nor a true ivy; it actually originates from South Africa and belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae).
- 🌱 Swedish Ivy is one of the easiest houseplants to propagate—stems will root in water within 1-2 weeks, making it perfect for plant lovers wanting to expand their collection.
- 🌱 In Victorian times, Swedish Ivy was extremely popular as a parlor plant and was passed down through families as cuttings, contributing to its widespread distribution worldwide.
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