Hedera helix 'Pedata'

RHS Plant Profile
bird's foot ivy
bird's foot ivy RHS 1999

Synonyms

Hedera helix 'Bird's Foot'
Hedera helix 'Caenwoodiana'
Hedera helix 'Caenwoodii'

Plants for pollinators
Climber Wall Shrub

'Pedata' is an evergreen climber grown for its dark green leaves the shape of a bird's foot, being divided into 3 narrow lobes, the lateral ones each with a smaller lobe

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or 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
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in sun or partial shade. Shelter from cold drying winds

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 11 at any time

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