Hedera helix 'Clotted Cream' (v)
ivy 'Clotted Cream'
A shrubby climber up to 1m high with five-lobed leaves, 5-6 cm across, which are dark green and pale grey-green variegated with cream; the young leaves emerge fairly flat in spring, but then become more waved with strongly frilled margins; it is usually grown as a houseplant but if grown outside and if adult growth forms, ivy flowers are an excellent source of pollen and nectar for honeybees and many other insects
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream Green Grey Silver Variegated | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream Green Grey Silver Variegated | |||
| Autumn | Cream Green Grey Silver Variegated | |||
| Winter | Cream Green Grey Silver Variegated |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, and may cause skin allergy. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Hedera are evergreen climbing shrubs clinging by aerial roots. Clusters of small yellow-green flowers are followed by usually black berries. Foliage of flowering shoots is often less deeply lobed than that of the sterile, climbing shoots
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Tolerant of a range of soils and conditions but grows best in fertile, humus-rich well-drained alkaline soil in a sheltered spot. Ideal for patio containers, or on a wall or trellis. See Hedera (ivy) cultivation and Hedera as a house plant for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings at any time, semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings from late summer to late winter, layering or grafting at any time
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Ground cover
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 11, at any time of year
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, vine weevil and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and a leaf spot
Get involved
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