About
A slow-growing, bushy, non-climbing ivy with shiny, dark green, diamond-shaped leaves with a variable creamy-white edge. Small, rounded clusters of greenish flowers appear in late autumn, followed by black berries.
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 sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, 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
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, vine weevil and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and a leaf spot