50% OFF! Hot items selling fast—Grab them before they're gone!
Hedera helix, more commonly known as English Ivy, is a versatile, hardy climber native to Europe and parts of Asia. Variegated cultivars are especially prized for their attractive foliage, where the traditional deep green leaves are patterned with splashes, margins, or marbling in cream, yellow, or pale green.
The leaves are typically lobed and glossy, with their variegation bringing a lighter, decorative touch to interiors and gardens. Some cultivars display sharp contrasts, such as dark green centres with bold cream borders, while others have more subtle marbling or speckling. This variegation makes the plant brighter and more eye-catching compared to solid green varieties.
Indoors, variegated ivy can be grown in hanging baskets, allowed to trail elegantly from shelves, or trained up small supports. Outdoors, it is equally versatile, working as groundcover, in containers, or climbing on trellises and walls. Its evergreen nature ensures colour and structure throughout the year.
Indoors, provide bright, indirect light to maintain strong variegation. It will tolerate medium light, but leaf markings may fade in low conditions. Outdoors, it thrives in partial to full shade but will tolerate some morning or late-afternoon sun.
Keep soil evenly moist, especially for indoor plants, but avoid waterlogging. Allow the top 23 cm of soil to dry before watering again. Outdoor plants are more drought tolerant once established but will appreciate regular watering in dry spells.
Temperature: Indoors, it grows best in cool to average room temperatures between 1522C. Outdoors, it is hardy and tolerates frosts.
Humidity: Appreciates moderate humidity indoors. Mist occasionally or place near other plants if air is very dry.
Use a free-draining, peat-free compost indoors. Outdoors, ivy thrives in most soils as long as they are not waterlogged. For containers, refresh the top layer of soil annually or repot every 23 years.
Feed indoor plants once a month in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Outdoor plants in the ground generally do not need feeding unless in poor soils.
Prune regularly to control growth and encourage bushiness, especially indoors where ivy can quickly trail. Outdoors, trim in spring or summer to keep it neat and to prevent overgrowth.
Variegated Hedera is a vigorous grower. Indoors, it will trail or climb 12 metres in a few years. Outdoors, it can cover walls, trellises, or ground at a fast pace if left unchecked.
Leaf drop/yellowing: Often caused by overwatering or low humidity indoors.
Fading variegation: Linked to low light conditions.
Pests: Indoors, it may attract spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids; inspect regularly.
English Ivy has long been valued for its adaptability and resilience. Variegated forms add extra ornamental interest, brightening shaded areas and interiors alike. It is also recognised for its air-purifying properties, absorbing toxins and improving indoor air quality.
Quick Care Summary
Light: Bright, indirect indoors; shade to partial sun outdoors
Water: Keep evenly moist, never waterlogged
Temperature: 1522C indoors; fully hardy outdoors
Humidity: Moderate; mist occasionally indoors
Soil: Free-draining compost; adaptable outdoors
Feed: Monthly in spring/summer indoors
Growth: Fast-growing climber/trailer; evergreen with cream/yellow variegation