About
This vigorous evergreen climber. Leaves with prominent veins and five lobes, main three narrow, elongated and forward-pointing, moderately dark green developing a purple flush in winter. Flowers absent or insignificant.
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, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, 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 fertile, humus-rich well-drained alkaline soil in a sheltered spot. See hedera (ivy) cultivation
PruningNo pruning required. Trimming may be needed to keep to the space available.
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids , scale insects and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and a leaf spot