Hedera helix Yellow Ripple - English Ivy

Hedera helix Golden Ripple is a common Ivy selected for its elegantly variegated foliage, moderate growth, and strong covering power. Its stems are highly branched and equipped with climbing roots that firmly attach to any smooth support. Its dense, bright, and slightly tousled vegetation creates superb cover without invading. It is a wonderful plant, ornamental all year round in the 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 being 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 'Golden Ripple' is a sport of the variegated variety 'Goldchild'. This ivy has a modest growth as it rarely exceeds 2.60 m high and 1.10 m spread. It has a well-branched habit, developing short, brown to reddish internodes. Its leaves measure 6 to 7 cm wide and have 5 unequal and pointed lobes. The cream-yellow variegation is irregular, more or less wide on the leaf edges, on a green-grey background mixed with brighter green. The stems attach themselves to supports with powerful climbing roots. This variety does not flower.
Moderately hardy 'Yellow Ripple' ivy can withstand temperatures down to about -9°C. It prefers soils that are not too dry in summer. Maintenance consists of removing any branches with non-variegated leaves.

Hedera helix 'Golden Ripple' will fit perfectly in a contemporary or romantic garden, especially in shady areas. It will uniquely decorate a wall and be valuable for setting the scene on a terrace or balcony, trained on a small wire mesh structure or trailing in draperies along large containers, down 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.