velvet elvis house plant Buy Plectranthus saccatus Velvet Elvis Swedish Ivy

velvet elvis house plant Buy Plectranthus saccatus Velvet Elvis Swedish IvyVelvet Elvis Swedish Ivy Spurflower 'Velvet Elvis' Botanical Name: Plectranthus saccatus 'Velvet Elvis' Family: Lamiaceae Origin: Southern Africa Plant Type: Evergreen shrub Overview A showy shade lover that thrives in Adelaide and South Australian gardens, Velvet Elvis forms soft, velvety mounds of silver green foliage that light up dim spots. From late summer into autumn, it throws tall spires of rich violet purple flowers that bees cant resist.

Velvet Elvis Swedish Ivy / Spurflower 'Velvet Elvis'

Botanical Name: Plectranthus saccatus 'Velvet Elvis'
Family: Lamiaceae
Origin: Southern Africa
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

A showy shade-lover that thrives in Adelaide and South Australian gardens, ‘Velvet Elvis’ forms soft, velvety mounds of silver-green foliage that light up dim spots. From late summer into autumn, it throws tall spires of rich violet-purple flowers that bees can’t resist. Tough, water-wise once established and easy to shape, it’s perfect for dry shade borders, courtyards and containers.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.6–0.9 m H × 0.8–1.2 m W (rounded, gently spreading)
• Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Velvety, silver-green leaves; fresh lime tints on new growth; softly textured year-round
• Flowers: Tall spikes of violet-purple blooms late summer–autumn (Feb–May)
  
• Seasonal Interest: Luminous, evergreen foliage all year; late-season flower show just as many gardens fade; neat winter mound for structure
• Wildlife Value: Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies; Good for Pollinators
• Tolerance: Drought-Tolerant (once established), Heat-Tolerant (best with afternoon shade), Wind-Tolerant, Coastal-Tolerant (sheltered), Light frost tolerant; prefers free-draining soils (not heavy, waterlogged clay)
• Planting Density: Shrub borders: 0.6–0.8 m apart (≈ 1.2–1.6 plants/m). Mass plant: 1–2 plants/m²
• Pet Friendly: Generally regarded as non-toxic to pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Part shade to morning sun; protect from harsh afternoon summer sun
• Soil: Well-drained sandy/loam soils; improve heavier sites with compost/grit
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Tip-prune after flowering to keep compact and encourage fresh growth; remove spent spikes; mulch in spring; light feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 5-10+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA, including coastal Adelaide
• Soil pH: Slightly Acid to Neutral (tolerates mildly alkaline with excellent drainage)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Dry shade problem-solver under open canopies—pair with clivia, lomandra and native grasses
• Courtyard & container feature—violet blooms and velvety foliage pop in pots near seating areas
• Silver-accent border with westringia, rosemary and salvias for a water-wise SA palette

Why You Will Love It

‘Velvet Elvis’ brings lux, velvety foliage and a late-season burst of purple to the shadier parts of South Australian gardens. It’s forgiving, low-maintenance and pollinator-friendly, delivering designer texture and reliable colour when you need it most.