Hedera helix Cross Switch - Common ivyCommon ivy

Hedera helix 'Cross Switch', or common ivy, is a small, versatile ornamental plant, appreciated for its original vegetation and its ability to adapt to various environments. This compact variety forms a ground cover mat that remains attractive throughout the year, even in winter. Its aesthetic qualities and ease of maintenance make it suitable for many landscaping applications, both in the ground and in pots.

Ivies belong to the Araliaceae family. The Hedera genus includes about a dozen species, the most common in our latitudes being the Common Ivy, in Latin Hedera helix. This giant of our forests can reach tens of metres in length and climb to the tops of trees. Its stems cling to their support by means of strong roots and its foliage persists in winter. It has given rise to many cultivars with varied habits and foliage, among which some remain juvenile and do not flower.

Hedera helix 'Cross Switch' is a compact cultivar derived from 'Midget'. The plant does not climb spontaneously; it forms ground-hugging clumps. Its stems have relatively long internodes. Its small palmate leaves with 5 lobes wrap around the stems. They form curious and aesthetic clusters. Their colour ranges from light green to medium bluish green with age. The plant can reach a height of 20 to 30 cm and spread over 50 cm to 1m in width. The bark is smooth on young stems and becomes rough with age.

Ornamental ivy 'Cross Switch' is a versatile and refined plant. As a ground cover, it is perfect for covering bare shaded areas or preventing erosion on a slope. In a pot, it enhances balconies and terraces with its architectural foliage. This variety pairs well with other light shade plants tolerant of dry shade such as Christmas fern ferns, barrenworts (Epimedium), European wild ginger and small periwinkles (Vinca minor 'Josefine'). Ferns bring a fine and delicate texture in contrast to the ivy foliage, while barrenworts add a touch of charm in spring with their delicate small flowers. Wild gingers, with their round and shiny leaves, offer an interesting texture, and periwinkles, with their small blue, purple, or white flowers, brighten the shade with their simple stars. These combinations can create harmonious and diverse plant compositions throughout the seasons.