About
Between late summer and late winter, small, greenish flowers, produced in umbels, are followed by globular black fruits, ripening in spring or early summer, on mature foliage. Vigorous, evergreen climber about 5m tall, with bright red leaf stalks bearing luminescent, bright yellow, 3-5 lobed leaves, to 16cm across, resistant to sun scorch. The leaves fade to fresh green in shade.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height5-10 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
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) and a leaf spot