Ivy leaves Hedera helix 'Wonder

Credit: Konrad Jeleński

Wonder' ivy leaves with marked veins

Credit: Umide Sacoor Ahnemann

Climbing ivy Hedera helix 'Wonder

Credit: Eyleen99

Three-lobed leaves ivy 'Wonder

Credit: Olivier Sigaud

Hedera helix 'Wonder', a compact climbing ivy

You may love ivy, but not want to adopt an invasive species that will grow out of control. If that's your case, choose Hedera helix 'Wonder'. This variety, which is more compact than hedera helix, also grows more slowly.

How to recognize Hedera helix 'Wonder' ivy?

Hedera helix 'Wonder' is a perennial with a creeping, climbing or drooping habit. It can grow up to ten meters high and five meters wide.

The woody, brown-barked stems are studded. Located at the internodes, these aerial roots help the branches anchor themselves to their support.

The alternate, leathery leaves are borne on burgundy petioles. With their three lobes and rounded apex, they resemble the spades on a deck of cards. But these spades aren't black. They're bright green, with pronounced veins.

Flowering is similar to that of other ivy. In September, corymbs of yellow or greenish flowers appear.

These then produce clusters of berries. This fruit, red then black, contains the seeds that will be spread by birds.

Hedera helix 'Wonder' is toxic to mammals, including humans. Its leaves and fruit can cause skin irritation and intestinal disorders on contact or ingestion.

Our maintenance tips

Hedera 'Wonder 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 'Wonder' 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 'Wonder', apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Addgreen plant fertilizer to watering water.

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

Prune

Your Hedera 'Wonder' 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 'Wonder' 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