What soil does Persian ivy grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous.

Is Persian ivy hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

When does Persian ivy flower?

Flowering: September–October, green.

How much water does Persian ivy need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Persian ivy cost?

It sells for roughly €10 to €23 in local shops, depending on size.

Persian ivy

Hedera colchica

Persian ivy (Hedera colchica) is a climber. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €10.

Illustration of Persian ivy — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Persian ivy has the largest leaves of any ivy: leathery, heart-shaped and up to 20 to 25 cm long, green all winter, and it is mostly sold in yellow or cream variegated forms. It clings by aerial roots to walls, fences and tree trunks with no support needed, and also makes a ground cover for shade. It is less hardy than common ivy, so give it a sheltered spot in part shade, and expect its autumn flowers to draw plenty of bees.

Watch out for

In Central Europe the leaves brown and shoots can die back in hard winters without snow, especially on variegated forms and in spots exposed to wind and winter sun; it usually resprouts from the base in spring. The clinging roots leave marks on render and paint, and shoots grow into cracks, under roof tiles and into gutters, so let it climb only sound walls and cut it back below the eaves every year. Stems running over the ground take root, and the plant smothers lower neighbours. Leaf spot, spider mites, scale insects and aphids occur, and slugs and snails hide in the dense foliage.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 6 m × 3 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D September–October, green

Group	Climber
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	6 m × 3 m
Ultimate size	8–15 m × 3–8 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	September–October, green
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	150 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €10

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
80-100 cm	approx. €10
size not stated	approx. €13 – €23

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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