About
This small, evergreen, self-clinging climber or spreading shrub with woody stems bearing shiny, dark green, unlobed, teardrop-shaped leaves with white to pale green veins.
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
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
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Hanging basket, 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. Ideal for patio containers, or as a houseplant. See Hedera (ivy) cultivation and Hedera as a house plant for further advice
PruningPruning group 11
PropagationPropagate by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, aphids and glasshouse red spider mite; vine weevil may be a problem when grown in containers.
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and a leaf spot