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HEDERA colchica 'Sulphur Heart'

Image of Hedera colchica 'Sulphur Heart'

James Burghardt

Family

Araliaceae

Botanical Name

HEDERA colchica 'Sulphur Heart'

Plant Common Name

Colchis Ivy, Sulphur Heart Persian Ivy

General Description

This lush ivy is distinguished by its large, colorful, variegated leaves that make a bold statement in containers or shaded garden spaces. They are dark green with lighter green centers and golden yellow veins.

Persian ivy has the largest leaves of all the Hedera. It is an evergreen vine with glossy, dark green leaves that are large, leathery and heart-shaped. Another unique attribute is that they are fragrant when crushed. This large vine or groundcover is native to Turkey, Iran and the Caucasus region where it can be found along the forest floors and growing up trees and rocky outcrops.

Though quite vigorous, Persian ivy is more tender than the popular English ivy (Hedera helix). It is grown for its lush foliage, which forms a cool, green cover on walls or the ground. This fast-growing vine twines and clings to walls and trees via root-like structures that appear along the stems. Insignificant, greenish white flowers appear in autumn followed by black, berry-like fruits that are eaten and spread by birds.

This is a highly adaptable plant that can withstand full sun or shade, although partial shade is recommended in hot climates. It grows best in fertile but well-drained soil. Provide it with protection from winter sun and wind, especially where marginally hardy. This ivy is quick to establish and faster growing than English ivy. It can become quite invasive if it appears where it is not welcome. It thrives in containers and hanging baskets but is best suited as a groundcover or clinging vine.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Vine/Liana

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade

  • Height

    30'-50' / 9.1m - 15.2m

  • Bloom Time

    Fall

  • Native To

    Turkey, Iran

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Vining/Climbing

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    White, Green

  • Fruit Color

    Black

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Yellow, Lime Green, Dark Green, Gold

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Yellow, Light Green, Dark Green, Gold

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Yellow, Light Green, Dark Green, Gold

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Yellow, Light Green, Dark Green, Gold

  • Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Bark Color

    Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Coarse

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Corky

  • Usage

    Container, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Vine

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes