Hedera maderensis (Madeiran ivy) — Climbing, Trailing

Overview

Hedera maderensis is a climbing, trailing climber wall shrub in the genus Hedera, part of the Araliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Hedera maderensis grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, houseplants and patio and container plants.

About

Hedera maderensis, the Madeiran ivy, is a species of ivy (genus Hedera) which is native to the Atlantic coast in Madeira island. It is a plant of botanical family Araliaceae, species endemic to the island of Madeira with the name: Hedera maderensis (K. Koch ex A. Rutherf). Formerly a subspecies named Hedera maderensis iberica, one iberian subspecies in west Iberian peninsula was subsequently classified as a distinct species. It is quite common in Madeira and lives in slopes rock, soil, trunks of trees especially in Laurel forest of Barbusano. In the garden it prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, houseplants and patio and container plants. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and east-facing, north-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hedera maderensis

About the genus

Hedera, commonly called ivy, is a genus of 12–15 species of evergreen climbing or ground-creeping woody plants in the family Araliaceae, native to Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe, Macaronesia, northwestern Africa and across central-southern Asia east to Japan and Taiwan. Several species are cultivated as climbing ornamentals, and the name ivy especially denotes common ivy, known in North America as "English ivy", which is frequently planted to clothe brick walls.

Wikipedia contributors, "Hedera", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hedera

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hedera

Sunlight: Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Hedera maderensis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Climber Wall Shrub
Habit: Climbing, Trailing
Foliage: Evergreen
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Houseplants, Patio and container plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hedera maderensis

Propagation: Propagate by softwood cuttings at any time, semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings from late summer to late winter, layering or grafting at any time
Pest resistance: May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, vine weevil and aphids
Disease resistance: May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and a leaf spot

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Hedera maderensis?

Hedera maderensis prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Hedera maderensis need?

Hedera maderensis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.

Is Hedera maderensis hardy in the UK?

Hedera maderensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Hedera maderensis?

Propagate by softwood cuttings at any time, semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings from late summer to late winter, layering or grafting at any time.

More in the Hedera genus

Browse all Hedera →