6 ivies to discover!
Our selection of original varieties
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Very useful for covering walls or dressing floors with its evergreen foliage, ivy includes numerous species and cultivars, among which the well-known Hedera helix. Despite its bad reputation, climbing or creeping ivy is very valuable for insects and birds that feed on its nectar and berries. Some varieties are very aesthetic, showcasing variegated foliage, others surprise us with the shape of their leaves, which are very different from the classic ivy leaf, by their very erect stems or by their great quality as a ground-cover plant. Let’s not forget the shrubby ivies, which do not climb and therefore cannot be trained on a support. Here is our selection of unusual ivies, small or large, to place in the garden or in pots!
To learn all about this climbing plant, discover our sheet “Climbing Ivy, Hedera helix: planting, growing, pruning”.
Hedera helix 'Erecta'
Certainly, the Hedera helix ‘Erecta’ features very classic ivy foliage: bright green with lighter veins, lobed leaves in a triangular shape. Its highly graphic and architectural habit is what makes it truly unique. Indeed, this variety of common ivy develops well-erected stems on which the leaves are inserted in a very regular manner. It certainly lives up to its name ‘Erecta’, which means “erect”. Forming a clump of one metre in all directions, this common ivy is suitable for planting as a low evergreen hedge, as a standalone, or simply in a large pot, in a semi-shaded or shaded position. Hardy and very robust, the Hedera helix ‘Erecta’ is therefore very interesting for adding verticality to your garden.
Hedera helix ‘Erecta’
Hedera algeriensis 'Bellecour'
The evergreen ivy Hedera algeriensis ‘Bellecour’ is an effective groundcover plant. Indeed, this cultivar of Canary Ivy is characterised by its creeping habit and broad leaves that are initially acid green in spring, gradually darkening by summer. Also known as Algerian Ivy, it has a strong potential to quickly cover surfaces. With it, there’s no need to weed slopes or the bases of trees. Its sturdy stems with leathery leaves measuring 10-15 cm wide can grow up to ten metres long. Note that this cultivar does not flower and therefore does not bear fruit, as it is sterile.
Hedera algeriensis ‘Bellecour’
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Hedera helix Sagittifolia
The Hedera helix ‘Sagittifolia’ stands out due to its foliage shape, which is completely different from that of common ivy Hedera helix. It is commonly known as the Sagittate-leaved Ivy, but also as Arrowhead Ivy because of its narrow, elongated 5-lobed leaves that resemble the tip of an arrow or spearhead. The central lobe of each leaf is particularly elongated. At maturity, it climbs up to 4 m high while spreading to 3 m wide, thus forming an elegant carpet of a very fresh, light green colour! With excellent hardiness, this ornamental ivy can be used as a climbing plant, groundcover, or trailing plant to adorn a wall. Note that Hedera helix ‘Sagittifolia’ may take time to establish in the first few years after planting.
Hedera helix ‘Sagittifolia’
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How to grow ivy in a pot?Hedera helix 'Arbori Compact'
Hedera helix ‘Arbori Compact’ is a bushy ivy rather than a climbing ivy. Therefore, it does not require a support to thrive. Forming a compact silhouette of one metre in all directions, this dwarf ivy easily integrates into a low hedge, in a border, or as part of a perennial bed. Naturally bushy, it does not need pruning as long as its shape and size suit your needs. Unlike many varieties of common ivy, its leaves are dark green with light green veins and are not lobed. They are rather rounded and firm. Hardy and robust, this arborescent ivy adapts to all exposures, except in the hottest regions where the sun can be scorching.
Hedera helix ‘Arbori Compact’
Hedera colchica 'Dentata Variegata'
Hedera colchica ‘Dentata Variegata’ boasts stunning variegated foliage! Its heart-shaped leaves are larger than those of common ivy. Some can measure up to 15-20 cm long. The leaf lamina coloured green in the centre is surrounded by a wide cream-white margin. In winter, the leaves tend to curl in on themselves due to the cold. The Persian Ivy ‘Dentata Variegata’, also known as Colchian Ivy, is an excellent spreading groundcover capable of extending over a span of 4 m. Very bright for shady gardens and vigorous, this variety has been awarded an Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Hedera colchica ‘Dentata Variegata’
Hedera helix 'Ivalace'
The Hedera helix ‘Ivalace’ is a small ivy that features dark green, veined, and particularly glossy foliage. Additionally, the edges of the leaves with 5 lobes are delicately undulated and curled upwards, giving this climbing plant a unique appearance. With its bushy habit of about 1 m – 1.5 m in all directions, this ivy, which can withstand temperatures below -15°C, is well-suited for small spaces and fits perfectly in pots or in the ground to cover soil, a low wall, or a fence. This curly variety can also be grown as an indoor plant.
Hedera helix ‘Ivalace’ (photo Leonara Enking)
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