Hedera helix Sagittifolia Variegata - Common Ivy

Hedera helix 'Sagittifolia Variegata' is a variety of Common Ivy that is highly decorative throughout the year. It is hardy and indifferent to soil conditions, like most of its cousins. This ivy has trilobed leaves, with a stretched central lobe. The leaves are various shades of green, with a creamy white margin. Ornamental all year round, it is perfect for brightening up shaded areas in the garden. As a climbing plant, it can cling to any support using its climbing roots to create a beautiful green decoration without the risk of overgrowth, as its growth rate is relatively limited.

The Ivies belong to the Araliaceae family, which includes cousins such as Ginseng and Fatsias. This family consists of around fifty genera and hundreds of species, and is quite varied, hosting both trees and lianas, as well as shrubs and even some herbaceous plants. The genus Hedera itself includes a dozen species, with the most common in temperate European latitudes being Common Ivy or Hedera helix. This giant of European forests can reach lengths of tens of metres and climb to the tops of surrounding trees.

'Sagittifolia Variegata' is a variety with a much more modest size than the typical botanical species. It will climb to a height of 1.5m (5ft), or even 2m (7ft), with a comparable spread in width. When used as ground cover, it can spread a little more, but never to the point of becoming invasive. "Sagittifolia" literally means "arrow-shaped leaf", referring to the stretched and pointed central lobe, framed by 2 almost perpendicular and shorter lobes, resembling the foot of a goose, approximately 4cm (2in) wide and 6cm (2in) long. "Variegata" indicates that the leaf has variegation, in this case, a creamy white margin running along the edge of the lamina, with a width that can vary. The rest of the lamina is green, in various shades, forming an irregular pattern unique to each leaf. The leaves themselves also vary in shape, sometimes having 5 lobes instead of 3, and can be more or less deeply incised. The result of this mix of shapes and colours is particularly aesthetic and gives a cheerful aspect to the foliage, which is useful in shaded areas where this Ivy will thrive.
The stems attach themselves to supports using powerful climbing roots. This Ivy can therefore climb a wall or an arch, or run along the ground. In autumn, the nectar from its inconspicuous green flowers, in the form of globular inflorescences, is an excellent source of nectar for bees.
Very easy to grow, this climber thrives in most soil types, except for excessively dry ones. Hardy, it can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F) and can be grown practically anywhere without requiring any specific maintenance. An ideal plant for small gardens and beginners.

Hedera helix 'Sagittifolia Variegata' will fit perfectly into a contemporary garden with its beautiful foliage. Its limited size allows it to be grown in a container, where it will cascade and form an intricate display. In the garden, it will make an excellent ground cover, capable of discouraging weeds in semi-shaded or even shaded areas. You can also create an original and charming scene by planting it at the base of a tree trunk surrounded by a carpet of shade-adapted perennials. For example, pair it with Creeping Bugle, which forms beautiful spreading clumps. There are many varieties available, including some with purple or golden foliage that will create a nice contrast with our little Ivy's foliage. Caucasian Forget-me-not, or Brunnera, is also a great choice, especially for heavily shaded areas. And for a variety of blooms, go for a perennial Geranium, such as Geranium phaeum 'Raven', a beautiful variety with dark purple flowers that is easy to grow.