Hedera rhombea

RHS Plant Profile
Japanese ivy
Japanese ivy visionspictures.com

Synonyms

Hedera rhombea 'Japonica'
Hedera rhombea var. formosana
Hedera helix var. rhombea
Hedera rhombea var. rhombea
Hedera rhombea f. pedunculata

Plants for pollinators
Climber Wall Shrub

An evergreen climbing shrub with dark green, three-lobed foliage with prominent grey veining. Possibly, insignificant yellow-green flowers may appear in the autumn, following by round, black fruits. This species is native to Japan and Korea, and is a little more distinctive and attractive than some of our native UK hederas

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Araliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Climbing, Trailing
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten: skin irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eatenskin irritant/allergen. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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
Correct
Plant Range
Temp. E Asia

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 as a houseplant. See hedera (ivy) cultivation

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
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Wall side borders

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