Hedera rhombea
Japanese ivy
An evergreen climbing shrub with dark green, three-lobed foliage with prominent grey veining. Possibly, insignificant yellow-green flowers may appear in the autumn, following by round, black fruits. This species is native to Japan and Korea, and is a little more distinctive and attractive than some of our native UK hederas
Synonyms
Hedera rhombea 'Japonica'Hedera rhombea var. formosana
see moreHedera helix var. rhombea
Hedera rhombea var. rhombea
Hedera rhombea f. pedunculata
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Yellow Green | Green Grey Silver | Black | |
| Winter | 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 the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing, Trailing
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp. E Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Tolerant of a range of soils and conditions but grows best in fertile, humus-rich well-drained alkaline soil in a sheltered spot. Ideal for patio containers, or as a houseplant. See hedera (ivy) cultivation
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
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, vine weevil and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and a leaf spot
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