choosing for the garden

All ivies can be grown as ground cover, and they will climb when they reach a support. Some of the more compact cultivars are slower climbers. These recommended varieties have all been given the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

‘Angularis Aurea’

This ivy has large leaves on strong stems and is perfect for a tall, dark wall. The leaves are green, but suffused with yellow when mature, turning green again once old. This results in an intriguing tapestry effect.

‘Buttercup’

Originally found in Ireland in 1925, this useful ivy is best grown as a climber, due to its variable leaf colour. In shade, all the leaves will be lime green, but when grown in sun, some will be bright yellow.

‘Ceridwen’

Meaning ‘pretty’ in Welsh, this compact ivy has three-lobed leaves, heavily variegated in butter yellow. It is also popular as a houseplant.

‘Golden Ingot’

A very compact ivy, best used as ground cover and for pots and small

beds. The leaves have shallow lobes and are greyish-green, heavily marbled and edged with butter yellow.

‘Glacier’

A popular, small-leaved ivy, with white and grey variegation. Tinged pink in winter or when stressed, this variety is a popular houseplant, which develops larger leaves when allowed to climb.

‘Maple Leaf’

Grown as a climber or as ground cover, this elegant ivy has leaves divided into five narrow lobes. Dating back to 1956, it has become popular in recent years. The foliage is dark green, with paler veins.

‘Midas Touch’

Usually sold as a pot plant, this ivy is useful for ground cover and as a climber for a shady spot. The heart-shaped leaves are bright green, with irregular, golden-yellow splashes and blotches.

‘Oro di Bogliasco’

Now reverted to the original name denoting its Italian origin, this ivy is still best known as ‘Goldheart’. A vibrant plant, it has red stems and dark green leaves, with bright yellow central areas. Best as a climber, it often reaches maturity with a colourful, arborescent form.

‘Spetchley’

A miniature ivy, with tiny, dark green leaves on reddish stems. Thought to have come from Spetchley Park in Worcestershire in the 1960s, it is too small for ground cover or as a climber, but the stems build on one another to create a loose mound, useful on shady rock gardens and in patio pots.