Hedera colchica
Persian ivy
A vigorous, self-clinging large evergreen climber with leathery, dark green ovate leaves to 20cm in length. Flowers small, yellow-green, inconspicuous, followed by black berries
Other common names
Colchis ivySynonyms
Hedera colchica 'My Heart'Hedera colchica 'Guignard'
see moreHedera colchica 'Amurensis'
Hedera colchica 'Macrodonta'
Hedera helix var. colchica
Hedera cordifolia
Hedera colchica var. rhombifolia
Hedera rhombifolia
Hedera acuta
Hedera roegneriana
Hedera helix var. regneriana
Hedera regneriana
Hedera coriacea
Hedera amurensis
Hedera caucasica
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Green | Black |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or 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
Correct
- Plant range
- W Caucasus, N Turkey
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in fertile, humus-rich, alkaline soil but will tolerate acidic soils. Very vigorous
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 11 at any time
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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