Iedera - Hedera helix 'Shamrock'

Hedera helix 'Shamrock' is a compact cultivar of the common ivy in the Araliaceae family, prized for its dense, dark green foliage and versatile habit. This evergreen is ideal as a houseplant, ground cover, hanging basket or for decorating walls and fences in gardens. Its distinctive foliage and hardiness make it a popular choice for urban landscapes and shaded spaces.

Appearance of leaves and flowers

• Leaves : The leaves are small, 2-5 cm, trilobed or 5-lobed, dark green, glossy, with a smooth texture. The shape of the leaves is irregular, with sharp lobes, giving a compact and elegant appearance. The foliage is dense and remains attractive all year round.
• Flowers : The flowers are small, greenish, grouped in umbels, and appear rarely, especially outdoors in autumn. They have no significant ornamental value.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width : As a climbing plant, it can reach 1-2 m tall in pots or as a ground cover, and up to 3-5 m if left to climb. Width varies depending on the support, usually 30-60 cm.
• Vigor : Moderate growth, with thin, flexible stems that cling by adventitious roots. It is more compact than other varieties of Hedera helix.
• Type : Evergreen, perennial plant, grown as an indoor or garden plant.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers partial shade or shade, but tolerates bright indirect light indoors. In direct sun, the leaves may fade or suffer burns.
• Soil : Grows in well-drained, fertile soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5). For pots, use a houseplant substrate.
• Watering : Water moderately, keeping the soil slightly moist but allowing the top 2-3 cm to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which causes root rot.
• Temperature : Hardy in zones 5-9 (down to -20°C) outdoors. Indoors, prefers temperatures of 15-24°C. In Romania, it can be grown outdoors in milder areas or as an indoor plant.

Care and resistance

• Hardiness : Very resistant to shade, urban pollution and difficult conditions. May be affected by mites or aphids indoors; treat with insecticidal soap. Tolerates occasional pruning and neglect.
• Fertilization : Apply a liquid green plant fertilizer (e.g. diluted 10-10-10) once a month in spring and summer. Suspend fertilization in winter.
• Pruning : Cut back long or unruly stems in spring to maintain desired shape. Can be shaped as a climber or compact plant.
• Propagation : Easily propagated by stem cuttings, 10-15 cm long, planted in water or moist substrate, in spring or summer.

Hedera helix 'Shamrock' is ideal as a houseplant, for hanging pots, wall coverings or as a ground cover in shady gardens. Its dense foliage combines well with other shade plants, such as ferns or hostas. It is suitable for minimalist decors, urban gardens or indoor spaces, adding a green, elegant look.

Origin

Hedera helix is ​​native to Europe, western Asia and North Africa. The cultivar 'Shamrock' was selected for its small, compact leaves and uniform foliage, making it popular in both indoor and outdoor horticulture.

The ceramic pot is not included in the price.