Hedera Hibernica Arbori Compact
60-80cm (1ft 11-2ft 7)
Plant shape: Low and wide
Pot size: 20 Litres
Plant ID: 3327 2
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Hedera Hibernica Arbori Compact is an evergreen ivy with a myriad of names such as Irish Ivy Arbori Compact and Atlantic Ivy. This is a compact variety of Ivy with a lovely erect flowering habit rather than the perhaps better known climbing ivy. Glossy, heart-shaped foliage is present year round, but new growth pushes through in a pale green fountain. This paleness darkens to a deep green as it matures. Following new growth, small green flowers with antlers of bright yellow grow in a sphere held above the leaves on long erect stalks. Atlantic Ivy often produces purple-black fruits in winter that are eaten by birds. This compact ivy won’t climb or spread out of control, but remains a compact bush that grows to half a metre and spreads across the same distance.
How Hardy Is Hedera Hibernica Arbori Compact?
Hedera Hibernica Arbori Compact is fully hardy in most of the UK and requires only a few hours of sun each day. It will live happily in partial shade and flourish all year, but young specimens may need some frost protection and shelter from drying winds which can damage the foliage.
How To Use Hedera Hibernica Arbori Compact
Irish Ivy Arbori Compact is perfect for small gardens and wildlife areas. It is a stunning addition to a rock garden, brightens the ground beneath tall trees, and softens a patio. Atlantic Ivy spreads to form a shrub or mound and teams well with fuchsias, lavender and bright summer beddings plants that need an understated foil. In winter its dark evergreen foliage provides welcome colour. Team it with Witch Hazel Diane or Japanese Acers to accentuate a glorious autumn display. In spring it complements perennials such as Primula Denticulata and in summer Salvia Pratensis or Vinca Major. For striking foliage contrast, plant with other evergrens such as Thuja Occidentalis Danica or Pittosporum Tenuifolium Golf Ball. This is a great all-rounder perfect for filling in the gaps, but beautiful in its own right too.
How To Care For Hedera Hibernica Arbori Compact
This compact Atlantic Ivy needs very little care. You can prune it back at any time to maintain the shape you need, but be aware that it blooms in autumn so summer pruning is likely to remove the flowers. Ivy grown in containers, very dry borders and beneath trees will benefit from watering in dry periods, and a thick layer of mulch in spring will help it retain healthy foliage.
Hedera Hibernica Arbori Compact brings a multitude of benefits to any sized garden, and its tidy compact nature is a real boon to gardeners who want low maintenance evergreens. Novices and experienced gardeners will love how Irish Ivy Arbori Compact brightens up a dull winter garden with minimal effort.
