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Climber Wall Shrub

Hedera helix 'Heise' (v)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

An evergreen, self-clinging climber with a spread and height of 4m. The three to five lobed leaves have a crisp edge and a wonderful variegation of grey-green and dark green, with edges of white varying in width. This decorative ivy is suitable for covering wall and fences, plus it can be used as a ground cover

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver Variegated White
Summer Green Grey Silver Variegated White
Autumn Green Grey Silver Variegated White
Winter Green Grey Silver Variegated White
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
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 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

Tolerant of a range of soils and conditions but grows best in fertile, humus-rich well-drained alkaline soil in a sheltered spot. Ideal on a wall or trellis. See hedera (ivy) cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings or layering at any time. Root semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings from summer to winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Ground cover
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 11, at any time. Renovate in early spring before the growth starts.Prune out reversion to maintain the best display of varigation

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

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