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Hedera hibernica (Irish ivy)

At Heijnen Plants, we are proud to present the Hedera hibernica, commonly referred to as Irish ivy or Atlantic ivy. This distinguished evergreen species, hailing from the lush greenery of the British Isles, is highly valued for its dense foliage and vigorous climbing habit. With its deep green leaves, Hedera hibernica is an ideal choice for creating a lush, verdant backdrop in any garden, offering year-round privacy and an elegant aesthetic. As a versatile plant, it excels in covering walls and fences, and thrives under a wide range of conditions, making it a favoured choice among gardeners seeking both beauty and practicality.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Twice a year

Growth rate
50-70cm a year

Visual barrier
Quickly obscuring

Position
Shade, partial shade, sun

Maintenance
Low maintenance

2+ £6.35

50+ £6.00

100+ £5.85

200+ £5.70

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
80-100

Planting distance per meter
5

2+ £8.95

50+ £8.50

100+ £8.30

200+ £8.05

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
100-125

Planting distance per meter
5

2+ £10.65

50+ £10.10

100+ £9.85

200+ £9.60

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
125-150

Planting distance per meter
5

2+ £13.65

25+ £12.95

50+ £12.65

100+ £12.30

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
150-175

Planting distance per meter
5

12.30

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £16.25

25+ £15.40

50+ £15.00

100+ £14.60

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
175-200

Planting distance per meter
5

14.60

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £267.80

25+ £254.40

50+ £247.70

100+ £241.00

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
180

Planting distance per meter
0,8

241.00

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

Hedera hibernica (Irish ivy)

The robust Hedera hibernica, commonly known as Irish ivy or Atlantic ivy, is a versatile plant revered for its lush foliage and vigorous growth habit. Its evergreen nature ensures that it provides a constant verdant presence in any landscape, be it as an elegant hedge or a natural carpet of green.

Native to the British Isles, this ivy variety has adapted to a wide range of conditions, allowing it to thrive in diverse environments and soil types.

Key Features

The key features that make Hedera hibernica an excellent choice for gardening enthusiasts include:

A remarkable growth rate of 50-70 cm per year, making it a quick solution for those in need of rapid coverage.
Its inherent evergreen nature ensures a visual density that remains constant throughout the year, providing a scenic backdrop or ground cover in all seasons.
Adaptability to a variety of lighting conditions, from full sun to deep shade, allows for flexible placement within the landscape.
A winter hardiness rating of USDA zone 6a, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -20.6°C to -23.3°C.
Although not known for flowering, the plant does produce small green blossoms in autumn followed by attractive black fruit in winter, adding subtle interest to the foliage.
The ease of propagation through semi-ripe cuttings makes it simple to expand your ivy collection or share with fellow gardeners.

Tips

To maintain the desired size and shape of your Hedera hibernica, prune twice a year, although this plant generally requires minimal trimming.
Ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot, as Irish ivy does not fare well in overly waterlogged conditions.
When planting as ground cover, space the ivy plants adequately to allow for their rapid growth and eventual coverage.
If using Hedera hibernica as a hedge, consider installing supports for the ivy to climb on as it grows to achieve a more structured look.

Ideal placement of a Hedera hibernica

Hedera hibernica thrives in a variety of locations, from the deep shade of mature trees to the sunnier spots in a garden. Its capacity to adapt makes it a versatile choice for gardeners seeking a robust ground cover or hedge. The soil should be {R. well-drained} to prevent root rot, which is crucial for the health of this evergreen. Being native to the British Isles, it is accustomed to a range of weather conditions and maintains its lush green foliage throughout the year, even in the cold, withstanding temperatures down to -20.6°C, aligning with USDA zone 6a.

Planting a Hedera hibernica

Planting Hedera hibernica requires selecting a location that can accommodate its growth habits, whether as a lush hedge or a verdant ground cover. The soil should be well-drained, yet this species is adaptable to a variety of soil types. For optimal establishment, plant the ivy in pots into the ground, spacing them adequately to allow for their vigorous growth rate of 50-70 cm per year. It's versatile enough to thrive in full sun, partial shade, or shade, making it suitable for many garden settings. After planting, water the plants thoroughly to encourage root development. Hedera hibernica is winter hardy down to -23.3°C, aligning with USDA zone 6a, ensuring resilience through colder seasons.

Pruning a Hedera hibernica

Pruning Hedera hibernica is a straightforward process, typically required twice per year to maintain shape and manage growth. This vigorous climber can be trimmed back in spring and autumn to keep it within bounds, whether used as a hedge or ground cover. It's important to ensure that pruning does not excessively reduce the plant's visual density, which is one of its valued characteristics. Although the species is hardy, withstanding temperatures as low as -20.6°C, careful pruning can help to preserve its lush green foliage throughout the year.

Watering a Hedera hibernica

Watering this evergreen species should be consistent, especially during its establishment phase. Although Hedera hibernica is quite adaptable to various conditions, it is not drought-resistant and requires regular moisture to thrive. In periods of dry weather, ensure the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged, protecting the plant from potential stress. Once established, it will tolerate occasional dry spells better, but still, benefits from additional watering during prolonged dry periods. Careful attention to watering promotes a robust hedge or ground cover, maintaining its lush, green foliage throughout the year.

Fertilising a Hedera hibernica

To ensure that Hedera hibernica thrives and retains its lush green foliage throughout the seasons, a thoughtful fertilization approach is key. This vigorous climber benefits from a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring, just before the onset of the growth period. For optimal health and growth, a second application should be considered in mid-summer to replenish any nutrients that have been depleted.

It is important to use a fertilizer that is suitable for evergreen plants to support ivy hibernica's growth needs. Apply the fertilizer according to the product's instructions, taking care to distribute it evenly around the base of the plant without coming into direct contact with the foliage or stems. Proper fertilization will not only enhance the visual density of the hedge or ground cover but also fortify the plant against environmental stressors.

The characteristics of a Hedera hibernica

The Hedera hibernica is renowned for its robust evergreen foliage, which provides year-round interest and coverage. As it thrives in a pot, this species is excellent for green vertical accents in spaces where ground planting isn't feasible. It can also bring a lush appearance to urban environments, softening the harsh lines of buildings. Moreover, the verdant leaves of Irish ivy can serve as a natural air purifier, subtly improving air quality around your home or garden.

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