Hedera hibernica – Lush, Vigorous Evergreen Coverage
Hedera hibernica, commonly known as Irish Ivy, is a fast-growing, evergreen climber prized for its dense, glossy green foliage and unmatched versatility in the garden. Ideal for covering walls, fences, trellises, or unsightly structures, this vigorous variety also works beautifully as ground cover, providing year-round greenery with minimal maintenance.
Tough, reliable, and adaptable, Hedera hibernica is a favourite among landscape designers and gardeners alike for creating instant impact and long-lasting structure in both urban and rural settings.
Why Grow Hedera hibernica?
1. Dense Evergreen Foliage
Large, leathery leaves in deep green offer a lush, uniform appearance. The evergreen nature ensures interest and coverage throughout the year, even in the depths of winter.
2. Fast & Vigorous Growth
Perfect for quickly greening vertical surfaces or smothering unsightly areas. Under ideal conditions, it can cover several metres per year.
3. Versatile Planting Use
Whether trained to climb, trail, or spread, this ivy is incredibly adaptable—excellent for walls, pergolas, slopes, banks, and as ground cover.
4. Wildlife Friendly
Flowers in late summer attract pollinators such as bees, and its berries (produced in winter) provide food for birds.
5. Hardy and Low-Maintenance
Fully hardy across the UK, Hedera hibernica tolerates wind, shade, coastal conditions, and poor soils, making it one of the toughest and most adaptable climbers available.
How to Grow Hedera hibernica
Position:
Thrives in full sun to full shade—one of the few climbers that performs well in deep shade.
Soil:
Tolerates almost any soil type, including poor, dry, or chalky soils. Prefers well-drained but moist conditions.
Watering:
Water well during the first season to establish. Drought-tolerant once mature.
Support & Training:
Self-clinging via aerial roots—no trellis needed for vertical growth. Can also be trained neatly if required.
Pruning:
Responds well to pruning at any time of year. Trim regularly to control spread or maintain shape in formal settings.
Hardiness:
Fully hardy throughout the UK, including exposed and coastal locations.
Design Tips
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Use as a living green wall on fences, outbuildings, or large garden walls.
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Makes a superb ground cover for suppressing weeds on banks or under trees.
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Effective for erosion control on sloping ground due to its mat-forming habit.
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Combines well with ferns, hostas, or hellebores in shaded borders for a woodland feel.
Final Thought
Tough, evergreen, and incredibly versatile, Hedera hibernica is an invaluable addition to any garden where fast, effective coverage is needed. Whether softening hard landscaping, covering large spaces, or adding year-round structure, this Irish Ivy delivers with minimal fuss. A true classic that earns its place in gardens of every style.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
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