About
A fast-growing, evergreen climber to about 1m tall, with small, bright two-toned leaves. These are golden green around the edges with a dark green flash in the center and consist of a large ovate central lobe and two smaller side lobes. Makes a good houseplant or ideal for topiary use.
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, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClimbing, Trailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Hanging basket, Houseplants, Patio and container plants
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 sunny spot, for best colour. Ideal for patio containers or grown as a houseplant. See hedera (ivy) cultivation
PruningPruning group 11 at any time. Renovate in early spring before the growth starts
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings or layering at any time. Root semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings from summer to winter
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