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