When we think of ivies, we imagine them rambling up walls and into trees, but in fact there are many that do not climb at all. Some of these make great ground cover plants, while others become attractive evergreen bushes. Hedera helix 'Congesta' does not climb but makes a neat bush. It has small, three lobed leaves that form a dense mat of dark green foliage from which vertical shoots grow up into eighteen inch spires. The leaves are shiny, shallow cups that grow in opposing columns along the stems. This is a good plant for a rock garden or a border, where it can provide a vertical accent in an area of ground cover. It grows in deep shade and in a variety of soil conditions. For best results, however, it needs a fertile, humus rich, alkaline soil that is moist but well drained.
Propagation: Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer. |
Hedera canariensis 'Gloire de Marengo' may be adversely affected by a severe winter but is such a handsome plant it is worth trying to grow. If the worst happens and some of its leaves are damaged, it usually recovers as spring progresses. It has three lobed, triangular leaves in a light silvery green, variegated with cream, that may be up to five inches long, carried on dark red stalks. A mature plant will grow to about twelve feet. Like all variegated ivies, 'Gloire de Marengo' prefers a position that isn't too shady and should be protected from cold winds. A fertile, humus rich, alkaline soil that is moist but well drained is best. It may be pruned at anytime to keep it within bounds, but the best time is late winter or early spring.
Propagation: Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer. |
Ivies come into their own in winter. Being evergreen and having attractive leaves, this is the time when their roles as climbers or backdrops for other plants can be appreciated to the full. 'Pedata' is a bird's foot ivy, as its five lobed leaves resemble a bird's foot having an elongated central lobe and backward pointing laterals. Ideal for covering a medium sized wall, it seldom grows taller than about twelve feet and has pretty grey green leaves. When planting ivies such as 'Pedata', establish the self-clinging shoots quickly by pegging down the stems to the soil to develop lateral climbing shoots. For best performance, it should be grown in fertile, humus rich, preferably alkaline, moist but well drained soil.
Propagation: Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer. |
