Hedera hibernica - Irish ivy

Hedera hibernica (H. helix subsp. hibernica), better known as Irish Ivy, is a vigorous, hardy species, distinguished by its abundant evergreen foliage of dark green colour. As a climbing plant, it can cling to any support to form a beautiful green wall, enhance a hedge, or serve as ground cover to replace grass in dry and shaded areas.

Hedera hibernica is a botanical species native to Ireland, actually a tetraploid form (with a doubled chromosomal stock) of common ivy, which is widespread in European countryside and woodlands. Ivies belong to the Araliaceae family, they are cousins of Ginseng and fatsias. Its growth is very rapid, allowing it to reach a length or height of 10m (33ft) in a few years. Its large ovate, triangular, leathery leaves, with barely marked lobes, measuring 8cm (3in) in length, have a particularly shiny dark green colour. There are two different leaf forms on the plant, depending on their function: the cauline leaves are divided into 5 lobes, while those of the flowering stems, exposed to light, are more oval, shaped like an ace of spades. Its branches can cling to supports by themselves, thanks to powerful climbing roots. The branches are partially covered with greyish star-shaped hairs and bear climbing roots, which are transformed roots carrying sucker hairs that attach to a support. They have no nutritional function, as ivy solely nourishes itself through its underground root system. Flowering occurs in September-October, and fruiting in late winter or early spring. The flowers, cream to yellowish-green, have five petals. They are grouped in umbels, themselves arranged in terminal clusters. The fruits are round black-blue berries, 8 to 9mm wide, and they are gathered in clusters. They are toxic if ingested by mammals, particularly humans, but nutritious and valuable for certain birds such as songbirds and pigeons.

It suits everything, and everything suits it! Irish Ivy quickly enhances any challenging areas of the garden, in the shade, and can rapidly cover up anything it needs to hide, including conifers that have decayed in a monocultured hedge. Using it this way, it can be supported by evergreen bushes such as Spotted Laurel, Portuguese Laurel, or hedge clematis. It effectively and perfectly covers the ground, eventually discouraging weeds. To brighten up its monochrome foliage, spring-flowering bulbs like botanical narcissus or muscari can be planted, which will emerge from the green carpet in spring. Hedera hibernica is a good wall cover, but don't neglect it as it can quickly become invasive. Although its reputation as a destroyer is well established, it has protected old dilapidated walls more than it has destroyed them; it is the removal of this plant firmly rooted in the crevices that causes the masonry structure to collapse, while the plant maintains its integrity. However, its use on facades should be avoided. Pair it with dense perennials to keep the soil moist at its base.