Purple Swedish Ivy foliage

Purple Swedish Ivy foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Other Names:  Vick's Plant, Candleplant, Spur Flower

Description:

Attractive spikes of lavender flowers are impressive when massed above soft green and white foliage that’s tinged with purple; mounded form should be occasionally trimmed to maintain shape; a lovely addition to indoor containers; heat tolerant

Features & Attributes

Purple Swedish Ivy features showy spikes of lavender flowers rising above the foliage from mid spring to late fall. Its attractive serrated pointy leaves remain green in color with showy white variegation and tinges of purple throughout the year.

This is an herbaceous evergreen houseplant with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other indoor plants with less refined foliage. This plant can be pruned at any time to keep it looking its best.

Planting & Growing

When grown indoors, Purple Swedish Ivy can be expected to grow to be about 15 inches tall at maturity extending to 24 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 24 inches. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. This houseplant will do well in a location that gets either direct or indirect sunlight, although it will usually require a more brightly-lit environment than what artificial indoor lighting alone can provide. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist soil, but will not tolerate any standing water. The surface of the soil shouldn't be allowed to dry out completely, and so you should expect to water this plant once and possibly even twice each week. Be aware that your particular watering schedule may vary depending on its location in the room, the pot size, plant size and other conditions; if in doubt, ask one of our experts in the store for advice. It is not particular as to soil type or pH; an average potting soil should work just fine.

There are many factors that will affect the ultimate height, spread and overall performance of a plant when grown indoors; among them, the size of the pot it's growing in, the amount of light it receives, watering frequency, the pruning regimen and repotting schedule. Use the information described here as a guideline only; individual performance can and will vary. Please contact the store to speak with one of our experts if you are interested in further details concerning recommendations on pot size, watering, pruning, repotting, etc.

-- THIS IS A HOUSEPLANT AND IS NOT MEANT TO SURVIVE THE WINTER OUTDOORS IN OUR CLIMATE --