About
An evergreen climber about 1.2m tall, with 3-lobed, grey-green leaves, each with a broad creamy-white margin, the central lobe longer than the others and with wedge shaped leaf bases; makes a good houseplant.
About the genus
Hedera are evergreen climbing shrubs clinging by aerial roots. Clusters of small yellow-green flowers are followed by usually black berries. Foliage of flowering shoots is often less deeply lobed than that of the sterile, climbing shoots
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Houseplants
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Houseplants, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityHarmful if eaten: skin irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten, skin irritant/allergen. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationTolerant of a range of soils and conditions but grows best in ferile, humus-rich, well-drained alkaline soil in a sheltered spot. As a houseplant grow in containers of peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright indirect to low light. See Hedera (ivy) cultivation and Hedera as a house plant for further advice
PruningPruning group 11 at any time
PropagationPropagate by cuttings in summer using juvenile growth to obtain plants with a trailing habit, use adult growth to obtain plants with a bushy growth habit
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, glasshouse red spider mite and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and a leaf spot