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Hedera hibernica - Irish ivy

Hedera hibernica
Atlantic ivy, Irish ivy

4,2/5
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Delphine S, 04/05/2021

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

This ivy is distinguished by its large lobed triangular leaves, with a shiny dark green colour. Evergreen, climbing or creeping, this plant is highly decorative when used as a wall covering, ground cover, or in a hedge, and its growth rate is rapid.
Height at maturity
10 m
Spread at maturity
8 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -29°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time October to December
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Description

Hedera hibernica (H. helix subsp. hibernica), better known as Irish Ivy, is a vigorous, hardy species, distinguished by its abundant evergreen foliage of dark green colour. As a climbing plant, it can cling to any support to form a beautiful green wall, enhance a hedge, or serve as ground cover to replace grass in dry and shaded areas.

 

Hedera hibernica is a botanical species native to Ireland, actually a tetraploid form (with a doubled chromosomal stock) of common ivy, which is widespread in European countryside and woodlands. Ivies belong to the Araliaceae family, they are cousins of Ginseng and fatsias. Its growth is very rapid, allowing it to reach a length or height of 10m (33ft) in a few years. Its large ovate, triangular, leathery leaves, with barely marked lobes, measuring 8cm (3in) in length, have a particularly shiny dark green colour. There are two different leaf forms on the plant, depending on their function: the cauline leaves are divided into 5 lobes, while those of the flowering stems, exposed to light, are more oval, shaped like an ace of spades. Its branches can cling to supports by themselves, thanks to powerful climbing roots. The branches are partially covered with greyish star-shaped hairs and bear climbing roots, which are transformed roots carrying sucker hairs that attach to a support. They have no nutritional function, as ivy solely nourishes itself through its underground root system. Flowering occurs in September-October, and fruiting in late winter or early spring. The flowers, cream to yellowish-green, have five petals. They are grouped in umbels, themselves arranged in terminal clusters. The fruits are round black-blue berries, 8 to 9mm wide, and they are gathered in clusters. They are toxic if ingested by mammals, particularly humans, but nutritious and valuable for certain birds such as songbirds and pigeons.

 

It suits everything, and everything suits it! Irish Ivy quickly enhances any challenging areas of the garden, in the shade, and can rapidly cover up anything it needs to hide, including conifers that have decayed in a monocultured hedge. Using it this way, it can be supported by evergreen bushes such as Spotted Laurel, Portuguese Laurel, or hedge clematis. It effectively and perfectly covers the ground, eventually discouraging weeds. To brighten up its monochrome foliage, spring-flowering bulbs like botanical narcissus or muscari can be planted, which will emerge from the green carpet in spring. Hedera hibernica is a good wall cover, but don't neglect it as it can quickly become invasive. Although its reputation as a destroyer is well established, it has protected old dilapidated walls more than it has destroyed them; it is the removal of this plant firmly rooted in the crevices that causes the masonry structure to collapse, while the plant maintains its integrity. However, its use on facades should be avoided. Pair it with dense perennials to keep the soil moist at its base.

Hedera hibernica - Irish ivy in pictures

Hedera hibernica - Irish ivy (Foliage) Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 10 m
Spread at maturity 8 m
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time October to December
Inflorescence Umbel
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Flowering description The flowers, greenish-yellow in colour, have five petals. They are arranged in umbels, which are themselves grouped in terminal clusters. Flowering occurs in September-October, and fruiting takes place in late winter or early spring.
Fruit colour black

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

Hedera

Species

hibernica

Family

Araliaceae

Other common names

Atlantic ivy, Irish ivy

Origin

Western Europe

Product reference6814475

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Planting and care

Hedera hibernica, easy to grow, can be planted all year round in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, preferably against a wall in any situation and sheltered from cold winds. Once well established, it can withstand summer drought. To promote the growth of young shoots, fix the first ones to the ground (layering). Do not hesitate to rejuvenate the plant by removing old branches. Prune regularly to shape it. For container cultivation, mix 7 parts of ordinary soil, 3 parts of compost and 2 parts sand. Water regularly and apply fertiliser every month during the growth period. Keep the substrate moist during winter.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
Type of support Tree, Trellis, Wall

Intended location

Suitable for Woodland edge
Type of use Container, Hedge, Slope, Climbing
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade, Shade
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, Ordinary

Care

Pruning instructions Don't hesitate to rejuvenate the plant by removing old branches. Prune regularly to shape it.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March to April
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,2/5

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