Hedera helix White Ripple - English Ivy

Hedera helix 'White Ripple' is a variety of Common Ivy with small, beautifully cut foliage finely variegated with cream white, whose moderate growth is well suited to small gardens. Its stems with climbing roots cling to any smooth support to create a beautiful green backdrop, without invading. It is ornamental all year round, hardy and undemanding in terms of soil, perfect for bringing life to semi-shaded areas of the garden or terrace.

Ivies belong to the Araliaceae family. The genus Hedera includes about a dozen species, the most common in our latitudes being Common Ivy or Hedera helix. This giant of the forest can reach tens of metres in length and climb to the top of the surrounding trees. It is the origin of many horticultural varieties often obtained through spontaneous mutations that appear on a branch.

Hedera helix 'White Ripple' is a Dutch selection with much more modest growth, rarely exceeding 2.50 m in height or spread. Its habit is stocky and not heavily branched, developing brown to reddish stems. Its small leaves measure 3 cm in all directions, with 5 pointed lobes directed forward. The cream white to pale yellow variegation is irregular. It is clearly visible on the leaf edges and randomly spills over towards the centre. The stems cling to supports on their own with powerful climbing roots. This variety does not flower.
Very hardy 'White Ripple' ivy can withstand temperatures down to about -20°C and adapts to almost any location without requiring special maintenance.

Hedera helix 'White Ripple' will fit well in a contemporary or romantic garden, especially in shady areas. It can decorate a wall or form an elegant and effective ground cover without becoming invasive. It will also be valuable for setting the scene on a terrace or balcony, trained on a small wire mesh structure or cascading in draperies along large containers, all the way to the ground. Combine it with easy-to-grow woodland perennials. You can also create a charming scene by planting it at the base of a tree trunk surrounded by a carpet of Caucasian forget-me-nots that bloom in spring or a tapestry of Hellebores for winter.