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Climber Wall ShrubHouseplants

Hedera helix 'Shamrock'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

ivy 'Shamrock'

An evergreen climber about 1m tall, with small, dark green leaves consisting of a large ovate central lobe and two smaller side lobes; makes a good houseplant or topiary use

Other common names
clover-leaf ivy
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical 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

Tolerant of a range of soils and conditions but grows best in ferile, humus-rich well-drained alkaline soil in a sheltered spot. Ideal for patio containers, or as a houseplant. See Hedera (ivy) cultivation and Hedera as a house plant for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or layering at any time. Root semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings from summer to winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • hanging basket
  • Houseplants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Banks and slopes
Pruning

Pruning group 11, at any time. Renovate in early spring before the growth starts

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

Get involved

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