Hedera helix Ester - Common ivy

Hedera helix 'Ester', sometimes marketed under the name of common ivy 'Harald', is a climbing and creeping plant that remains decorative all year round, even in winter. This cultivar is distinguished by its beautiful small leaves variegated with pale yellow or cream. Sought after for its ornamental qualities and hardiness, it is ideal for covering walls, fences, or as ground cover in slightly shaded areas of the garden.

Ivies belong to the Araliaceae family. The Hedera genus comprises around a dozen species, the most widespread in our latitudes being the common ivy, in Latin Hedera helix. This giant of the forest can reach several metres in length and climb to the tops of trees, firmly gripping their trunk and branches through strong climbing roots.

Hedera helix 'Harald' has been selected for its superbly variegated leaves. It is a semi-shrubby woody plant that can reach a maximum height of 3 m and a width of 1.6 m. Its medium-sized leaves feature pale yellow or cream edges on a variegated background of light green and dark grey-green. This climbing plant develops rapidly, especially during its youth, with an annual growth that can exceed one metre. Unlike some other ivy cultivars, 'Harald' does not produce flowers, focusing all its energy on producing magnificent foliage. The bark of its fine, flexible stems remains discreet, forming a delicate framework that perfectly showcases the foliage.

The common ivy 'Ester' or 'Esther' is versatile and can be used in various ways in the garden. It is interesting for dressing walls, fences, and trellises, but also effective as ground cover in slightly shaded areas or even in full shade. In pots or hanging baskets, it adds a touch of lush greenery to the terrace, as well as inside the house. For successful combinations, choose plants with similar needs in terms of soil and exposure. For example, Hedera helix 'Glacier' with its grey-green leaves edged in white, the ivy 'Goldheart' with its green leaves with a golden heart, and Hedera helix 'Sagittifolia' known for its narrow, pointed leaves. Fuchsia magellanica 'Riccartonii' and the panicle hydrangea 'Fraise Melba' will bring colour to the whole.