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Hedera catalogue
discounts
available
The botanical name for the
ivy family is Hedera. Ivies
are hardy, evergreen, clinging,
climbing plants, ideal for
growing up walls, over tree
stumps or for ground cover.
They can be grown in pots,
hanging baskets, window boxes
and used as houseplants. Hederas
are one of the most useful
group of plants for the garden
that we have. The wide range
of varieties now available
give colour and form all the
year round.
The Helix and Colchica
varieties are winter hardy
in this country. The Canariensis
varieties can, in an extremely
bad winter, be killed so it
is well to remember not to
plant them in very exposed
positions. Hederas thrive best
in limey soil. They will grow
in acid soil but variegated
varieties will tend to throw
up a lot of green trails and
the leaf form will not be so
pronounced in the more elaborate
kinds.
To improve soil conditions
a handful of lime (found at
most garden centres), or limestone
pieces, worked into the base
of the planting hole will ensure
that the limey conditions will
be long lasting. When planting
against a wall, a small young
plant will take about a year
to start clinging. Once anchored
it makes quick growth. All
yellow varieties show their
colour best in a light or sunny
position. All silver leaf and
green varieties grow as well
in the shade as in the sun.
Being evergreen many varieties
make excellent ground cover.
A new book on ivies The
New Plant Library 'Ivies' by
Hazel Key. |
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