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Hedera helix 'Arborescens'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

tree ivy

A compact, bushy, non-climbing form of ivy with glossy, evergreen, heart shaped leaves. Clusters of creamy/green flowers in late summer are attractive to pollinating insects followed by blue/black berries in winter.

Synonyms
Hedera helix 'Arborea Intermedia'
Hedera helix 'Arborea Microphylla'
see moreHedera arborea
Hedera arborea
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green Black Blue
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

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

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Araliaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Trailing, Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Skin contact may cause irritation. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
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. 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
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Pruning Group 11 as required

Pests

May be susceptible to red spider mites, scale insects and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and a leaf spot

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