About

This compact evergreen climber to about 45cm tall, with small, neat, 5-lobed mid-green leaves, variegated and flecked creamy-white, with long pointed central lobes and short-pointed lateral lobes. Ideal as a houseplant, for patio containers or garden edging.

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, Partial shade, Full sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Houseplants
HabitClimbing, Trailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Hanging basket, Houseplants, Rock 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. Ideal for patio containers, or as a houseplant. See Hedera (ivy) cultivation and Hedera as a house plant for further advice
PruningPruning group 11, at any time
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings at any time, semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings from late summer to late winter, layering or grafting at any time
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to red spider mites, scale insects and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), fungal leaf spot, see leaf damage on woody plants