Hedera hibernica
Irish ivy
A vigorous large evergreen climber with broad, 5-lobed dark green leaves to 12cm in width. Small greenish flowers in umbels are followed by black berries
Other common names
Atlantic ivySynonyms
Hedera helix 'Hibernica'Hedera hibernica 'Sarniensis'
see moreHedera hibernica var. sarniensis
Hedera helix subsp. hibernica
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 | Green | ||
| Winter | Green | Black |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- 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
- British Isles
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in fertile, humus-rich, alkaline soil but will tolerate acidic soils
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
- 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
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.