Hedera nepalensis (Himalayan ivy) — Climbing, Trailing

Overview

Hedera nepalensis is a climbing, trailing climber wall shrub in the genus Hedera, part of the Araliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.02–0.15 metres tall. Hedera nepalensis 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 nepalensis (Himalayan ivy, chang chun teng) is a species of flowering plant in the family Araliaceae. It is a perennial Ivy native to Nepal and Bhutan, as well as Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, at altitudes of about 1000–3000 m. Plants grow up to 30 m in height, with simple leaves ranging from 2–15 cm long, and yellow flowers. Grow it in full shade, full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). It works well for 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. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Provide support.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hedera nepalensis

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 nepalensis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Climber Wall Shrub
Habit: Climbing, Trailing
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 0.02–0.15 metres
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Houseplants, Patio and container plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hedera nepalensis

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 nepalensis?

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

What soil does Hedera nepalensis need?

Hedera nepalensis 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.

How big does Hedera nepalensis grow?

Hedera nepalensis reaches a height of 0.02–0.15 metres.

Is Hedera nepalensis hardy in the UK?

Hedera nepalensis 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 nepalensis?

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 →