Hedera hibernica 'Palmata'

RHS Plant Profile
Irish ivy 'Palmata'

Synonyms

Hedera helix 'Palmata'

Plants for pollinators
Climber Wall Shrub

A slow-growing, evergreen climber with broad, 5-lobed dark green leaves with a matt appearance, the leaves are 6cm tall and 7cm wide. The wide palm-shaped leaves can help to give this climber a tropical look, or it can be used as a great ground cover plant

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 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 Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–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, Trailing
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten: skin irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten, skin 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

Grows best in fertile, humus-rich, alkaline soil but will tolerate acidic soils

Propagation

Pruning group 11, at any time. Renovate in early spring before the growth starts

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Sub-tropical
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wall side borders

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