Hedera colchica, also called as Persian ivy or colchis ivy, is a very vigorous botanical species, capable of covering vast expanses on the ground as well as along a vertical wall. Its main assets are its good resistance to cold, its longevity and the undeniable beauty of its ample and persistent flowing brilliant green...
Hedera colchica, also called as Persian ivy or colchis ivy, is a very vigorous botanical species, capable of covering vast expanses on the ground as well as along a vertical wall. Its main assets are its good resistance to cold, its longevity and the undeniable beauty of its ample and persistent flowing brilliant green. Less common than our common ivy (Hedera helix), it also grows much slower, prefers humid climates and requires a cool soil throughout the year. It is an extraordinary plant to vegetate a wall in a masterful way, dress a fence or create a fantastic green room.
Hedera colchica description:
The ivies belong to the family of Araliaceae, they are cousins of Ginseng and 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 of the Red Sea). It is widespread in forest areas with humid microclimates, where mists are common, such as near rivers. This fairly slow-growing climbing plant can reach 30 meters high in nature, climbing cliffs and tall trees. If it does not find a vertical support, it will spread on the ground. This plant clings to its support by means of aerial roots transformed into small crampons. There are specimens over 400 years old.
In our gardens, Persian ivy will easily occupy an area of 10m². The plant form long, soft twigs, 5 to 8 mm thick, which become lignified with age. They have persistent, opposite leaves, whose appearance varies according to the age and position of the branch. Leaves at the base of ivy are very broad and cut into 3 shallow lobes. Leaves located in the middle part of the plant, majority, very large, measuring up to 25 cm long, have a heart shape and have a barely serrated edge. Finally, the leaves on the high stems, at the level of the light, are smaller and very elongated. It is these aerial stems that carry flowers in late summer. The flowers, greenish in color, are discrete, but gathered in large globular clusters. They are very rich in nectar and feed many insects and small animals. After pollination, the flowers give little black berries which birds love. They are the ones who scatter the seeds around.
Grow and care Hedera colchica:
Hedera colchica indisputably embellishes everything it touches, in fresh soil, and allows to cover elegantly all that it has to hide, including the ugly buildings or conifers that have died in a monospecific hedge. In this use, it will be supported by evergreen shrubs such as Laurel-tin, Elaeagnus ebbingei or a climbing hydrangea, in the shade. It effectively and perfectly covers the soil, eventually discouraging weeds. To cheer up its monochrome foliage, plant spring-flowering bulbs such as botanical narcissus, or muscaris, which will emerge from the green carpet in the spring. Hedera colchica is a good wallcovering but do not overdo it because it can become quickly invasive. Although his reputation as a demolisher is well established, he has better protected the old dilapidated walls than he destroyed them; it is the tearing of this plant firmly anchored in the interstices which makes collapse the masonry building, while the plant maintains its integrity. On the other hand, its use on the facades is to be avoided. Combine it with dense perennials to keep the soil cool.
The best time for plantation is March and October. Hedera colchica, easy to grow in any soil remaining cool and in a rather humid climate, is planted all year round in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, preferably against a wall in any situation and sheltered from cold winds. It does not support drought or heavy soils, but is very tolerant of the presence of limestone in the soil.
To promote the formation of young shoots more quickly, fix the first ones on the ground (layering). Feel free to rejuvenate the feet by removing old branches. Cut regularly to train. For culture in tanks, mix 7 parts of ordinary earth, 3 of peat and 2 of sand. Water regularly and bring a fertilizer every month during the growing season. Keep the substrate moist during the winter.
COMMENTS