About
An evergreen climber to 2.4m tall, with large sword-shaped, very dark green, undivided leaves 5-9cm long, heart-shaped at the base, with pale green veins and a red midrib beneath. 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.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, 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
CultivationA climber that will thrive in any fertile soil, in sun or shade
PruningPruning group 11 at any time
PropagationIn summer, root semi-ripe cuttings of juvenile growth to obtain plants with a trailing habit
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