Hedera colchica Arborescens - Persian Ivy

The Hedera colchica Arborescens is now renamed 'Fall Favourite' to avoid confusion with the standard tree ivy (Hedera helix Arborescens). It is a non-climbing variety of Colchis ivy, slowly developing into a small, dense, elegant, decorative bush throughout the year. It has long, glossy, dark green leaves and blooms in early autumn, with umbels of small white-yellowish nectar-rich flowers that will give way to small black berries sought by birds. Ornamental all year round and very hardy, this variety works wonders in flower beds, as ground cover, or to hide the naked base of shrubs, for example. Its cultivation presents no difficulty in ordinary but well-drained soil and adapts to all exposures.

Ivies belong to the Araliaceae family, they are cousins of the fatsias. Colchis ivy is native to the Near and Middle East, from the Turkish coast of the Black Sea to Asia Minor (Afghanistan, Persian Gulf, some islands in the Red Sea). It is widespread in forested areas with humid microclimates, where mists are frequent, such as along watercourses. This climbing plant, which grows relatively slowly, can reach a height of 30 metres (98 feet) in nature, climbing cliffs and tall trees. It will spread on the ground if it does not find a vertical support. This plant clings to its support through aerial roots transformed into small climbing roots. There are specimens over 400 years old.

'Fall Favourite' comes from an adult Persian ivy: it is derived from the propagation by cuttings of the flowering stems that naturally develop at the top of plants that are old enough to bloom. These specific stems have the characteristics of growing very slowly, weakly climbing, and often lacking a support system. This variety will, therefore, develop as a spreading bush while becoming denser and spreading on the ground. At maturity, the plant will measure about 1.50 metres (5 feet) in all directions. Its flexible branches lignify with age. They bear shiny leaves throughout the year, arranged in opposite pairs, measuring about 8-10 cm (3-4in) in length. They are leathery, elongated ovals, pointed at their tips and slightly undulated. They are light green and vibrant when young, gradually darkening to a very dark green. Depending on the climate, the flowers bloom in September-October and are more abundant in full sun or partial shade. The discreet yellow-green flowers are gathered in large globular and fragrant clusters. They are very rich in nectar and feed numerous insects and small animals. After pollination, the flowers produce small black berries that birds love. It is they who spread the seeds in the surrounding area.

The Hedera colchica Arborescens, perfectly hardy, thrives everywhere except in scorching, arid or too-dry exposures. It is valuable for bringing some lushness and fancy to the ungrateful areas of the garden, which most other plants shun. It forms a good ground cover and is an elegant companion for all the accompanying shrubs (roses, boxwoods, sarcococcas, periwinkles...). It is also perfect for creating the backdrop of a terrace or balcony, planted in a large pot from which it will cascade in beautiful green draperies all the way to the ground. Combine it with easy-to-grow woodland perennials such as epimediums, wood hyacinths, Japanese anemones, brunneras, lungworts, or perennial geraniums like macrorrhizum or phaeum.