Delairea odorata Lem.

RHS Plant Profile
German ivy

Other common names

Cape ivy, climbing groundsel, parlor ivy, parlour ivy, yellow German ivy

Synonyms

Senecio mikanioides
Senecio scandens

Houseplants

This plant is listed as an invasive non-native species in Northern Ireland – see Cultivation section for details. An evergreen twining climber or groundcover plant with stems up to 3m long. Glossy leaves up to 8cm long have 5-7 shallow but pointed lobes. Mature plants bear clusters of small yellow flowerheads in autumn and winter. While commonly grown as a houseplant, it can survive outdoors in very mild coastal or sheltered areas in the UK

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Climbing, Trailing
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
SE Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

This plant is on the EU list of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern (applies in NI). It should not be planted or caused to grow in the wild in Northern Ireland. It is also banned from sale in Northern Ireland, and gardeners who already have it should take steps to control it. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information

Propagation

See cultivation notes

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants

Pests

See cultivation notes

Diseases

See cultivation notes