Hedera helix Sagittifolia - Common Ivy

Hedera helix Sagittifolia is a hardy ornamental Ivy characterised by its evergreen foliage, tender green, with 5 very elongated lobes. An excellent climbing plant, it can cling to any support to form a beautiful green wall or run along the ground to create an elegant ground cover. It prefers deep soil but once established, it shows resistance to drought.

The sagittate (arrow shaped) leaved ivy belongs to the Araliaceae family - ivy is actually one of the few European species of this family, which is mostly represented in tropical and subtropical climates. Common ivy grows in all types of undergrowth, where it can be seen climbing tree trunks or running along the ground (these are actually two ways to use it in the garden, as we will see later). It is one of the easiest species to recognise, with its persistent, leathery leaves, quite lobed, and with well-marked veins. However, it is less known that this is a juvenile stage, as when it reaches the top of its support (a wall, a tree...), ivy becomes an adult and then produces entire leaves without lobes. Between September and November, the ivy flowers (only if it is adult), forming small white-green umbels. Although not particularly decorative, these flowers are extremely useful for pollinators, who find a late source of nectar there. In addition, these flowers later produce small black berries, much appreciated by birds (this is again an unexpected source of food during winter) but toxic to humans. Ivy is capable of clinging on its own, thanks to its sturdy climbing roots carried by the young stems.

Hedera 'Sagittifolia' is a superb variety characterised by its medium-sized leaves, green with lighter veins, and divided into 5 lobes, with one central lobe being very elongated. It grows at a moderate rate and reaches about 4 metres (13 feet) in height and 3 metres (10 feet) in width under favourable conditions.

The cultivation of sagittate-leaved ivy is very easy: give it a deep, even chalky or clayey soil, moist to wet, and it will establish itself permanently. It is also very hardy. However, note that its growth, especially at the beginning, is rather slow, so do not hesitate to press a few stems against the ground to encourage rooting (this is called layering). It prefers shade or partial shade, at least in the first few years, but once established, it shows great adaptability, even when the soil is slightly dry.
It can be used as a climber on a large tree or on a wall, but it can also be an excellent ground cover in the undergrowth or in a semi-shaded bed, or even trailing over the top of a low wall. It can also be grown in a large pot, but watering should be monitored. The elegance of its finely lobed leaves makes it a particularly valuable choice for a scene that is both wild and refined.

Let's dispel some misconceptions: ivy, contrary to popular belief, does not parasitise trees (it simply uses them as support). An old tree covered in ivy may fall, but it is generally the weight of the climber that bends an already decaying trunk. Furthermore, it will only damage a wall if the plaster is already degraded and cracked. Therefore, there is no risk in letting it climb a healthy wall. Along with its ecological usefulness, it is a plant that would be a shame to do without!