Ivy Hedera helix 'Eva' in the ground

Credit: Fabrice Rubio

Three-lobed variegated ivy Hedera helix 'Eva' leaves

Credit: Trap Hers

Variegated leaves Hedera helix 'Eva

Credit: Feuilles panachées Lierre 'Eva'

Hedera helix 'Eva' ivy stem

Credit: Dhont2005

Hedera helix 'Eva', a small variegated climbing ivy

Hedera helix 'Eva' is unquestionably a late-bloomer. Literally speaking, since this member of the Araliaceae family blooms in September. But it's also figurative. Like Harrison Ford or Kathy Bates, it waited until the age of 40 to enjoy its moment of glory. Discovered in the 60s, this spontaneous mutation of Hedera helix was named "Ivy of the Year" in 2009.

How to recognize Hedera helix 'Eva'?

Hedera helix 'Eva' is one of the smallest varieties of ivy. It's even smaller than hedera 'Arborescens'! This shrubby, climbing liana is no more than 1.5 metres high and one metre wide.

The woody stems cling to any support with spikes at the internodes. The twigs are brown, dotted with gray star-like hairs.

The leathery leaves measure up to six centimetres long. They are three-lobed, with a central lobe that is always longer than the other two. Blades are two shades of green with a cream margin.

Hedera helix 'Eva' is grown for its decorative foliage. However, it produces corymbs of white or light-green flowers. They appear in autumn.

In winter, 'Eva' ivy produces black berries. These berries contain seeds that are spread by birds.

Only feathered creatures can taste these berries. Ivy berries are toxic to mammals, including human beings. Ingestion, even in minute quantities, can cause heart or digestive problems.

Our maintenance tips

Hedera 'Eva are sometimes sold as houseplants. But they are in fact hardy and resistant outdoor plants. So hardy, in fact, that they can become invasive! Think carefully before planting your specimen. Once it's in the ground, you won't be able to move it.

Watering

Water when the substrate is dry on the surface, for about three centimeters. Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater, filtered water or mineral water.

Don 't let water stagnate in the planter or saucer, as it may rot the roots.

Repotting

Choose a pot with holes larger than the previous one. Two centimetres more in diameter and depth will suffice. Line the bottom with clay balls or gravel to optimize drainage.

Pour in a layer of universal potting soil. Plant your Hedera 'Eva' and add substrate.

Planning to climb your plant on a wall or pergola? The stems should find their way up on their own. But you can help them a little by arranging the branches on the support.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Hedera helix 'Eva', apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Addgreen plant fertilizer to watering water.

Place a little compost at the foot of your Hedera 'Eva' to enrich the soil and accelerate growth.

Prune

Your Hedera 'Eva' is a fast-growing plant. You need to prune it to control its spread and prevent it from invading you.

Arm yourself with a clean, sharp tool. Depending on the diameter of the stems, you may choose scissors or pruning shears.

Remove dead branches by cutting at their base.

Shorten branches that have become too long by cutting just above a node. This encourages branching and helps maintain a compact habit.

Plantation

When the risk of frost has passed, it's time to plant.

Soak the rootball in a bucket of water at room temperature. Meanwhile, dig a hole twice the size of the rootball.

Plant your Hedera 'Eva' without burying the collar. Fill in with your garden soil and water.

The plant will naturally cling to its support. But you can encourage it to do so by arranging the branches against the wall or trellis you've planned.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Using a clean, sharp tool such as scissors or pruning shears, remove a ten- to fifteen-centimeter stem. Cut between two nodes and remove the leaves, leaving only the top pair.

In a pierced pot, pour a layer of clay balls for drainage. Add potting soil for seedlings and planting.

Using a pencil, make a pilot hole and plant your cutting.

Water at room temperature to help the plant take root.

Diseases / Threats

Aphids

Red spiders

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Araliaceae - Araliaceae
Type	Ivy - Hedera
Species	Common ivy - Hedera helix
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Half-shade Shade
Substrats	Calcareous earth Humus soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs Planter
Categories	Climber Herbaceous
Tags	Beginner Invasive Increvable Rustic Toxic
Origins	Northern Europe Eastern Europe Southern Europe Western Europe
Hardiness (USDA)	6a
Leaf color
Flower colors
Fruit color