Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Cream Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Cream Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful 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
- 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
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in fertile, humus-rich, alkaline soil but will tolerate acidic soils. Provide shelter from cold, drying winds. A very versatile garden plant providing year-round colour in many situations, and can even be used as a houseplant. See Hedera (ivy)
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Climber and wall shrubs
- Ground cover
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 11, at any time
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects and vine weevil
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and a leaf spot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.