Irish Ivy

Botanical Name: Hedera Hibernica

Hedera is a genus of around 14 species of evergreen climbers native to much of the world, excluding only Australasia and the Americas, wherein many species are now naturalised. Hedera is most commonly known as Ivy. When Hedera plants are not allowed to climb, they will creep along the ground.

Hedera Helix and Hedera Hibernica have the same care requirements, which means that they can easily be kept together if so required.  As anyone who has ever had unwanted ivy scaling their home will know, both of these kinds of Hedera are very hardy and require almost no maintenance at all!  For the first few weeks after introducing a Hedera plant, the soil should be kept damp until the plant is fully established. After this, both Hedera Helix and Hedera Hibernica will be content to grow without intervention.

Irish Ivy 

Botanical Name: Hedera Hibernica

Hedera Hibernica, or Irish Ivy, is another rich evergreen vine which will grow as either a climber or a creeper.  Native to the Atlantic Coast of Europe, it is usually found in north-western countries, and it is considered an invasive plant in North America.  Its leaves are shaped like pointy hearts and have a deep green surface with a glossy texture, with a much paler green underside.

Plant Care

Full sun, Partial shade, Shade

Water when surface soil starts to dry out

Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Acidic, Chalky/alkaline, Dry

Toxic if ingested

A well behaved plant if trained correctly, however the slightest neglect could lead to this Irish lad taking over your surfaces, from aerial rootlets that cling on, whether climbing high or trailing low