Ivalace English Ivy, a distinct cultivar of Hedera helix, offers a beautiful and adaptable option for both indoor and outdoor gardening. This guide provides comprehensive information on understanding, identifying, and maintaining this specific plant, ensuring its lush growth and vibrant appearance.
Understanding Ivalace
Ivalace English Ivy (Hedera helix ‘Ivalace’) is a unique ornamental cultivar. It originates from Hedera helix, native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. This variety was selected as the American Ivy Society’s Ivy of the Year in 2011, highlighting its appeal.
The distinguishing characteristic of Ivalace lies in its foliage. Its broad, dark, shiny five-lobed leaves, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, feature wavy, crimped, or ruffled edges. These wavy margins give the leaves a cupped, “lacy” appearance, which contributes to its “Ivalace” name. Unlike many English ivies, ‘Ivalace’ boasts a glossy, varnished look.
It has a moderate to fast growth rate, reaching up to 3 feet (90 cm) in height and 4 feet (120 cm) in spread. This evergreen climber is versatile, suitable as a houseplant, groundcover in smaller areas, or trained into topiaries. While Hedera helix species can be invasive in some regions, ‘Ivalace’ is noted as being less invasive than other varieties.
Identifying Ivalace
Recognizing Ivalace English Ivy involves observing its specific visual and tactile characteristics. Its deeply lobed, often five-pointed, dark green leaves have distinctively crinkled or wavy margins. These ruffled edges cause the leaves to cup slightly, differentiating them from smooth-edged ivy varieties.
Another identifier is the glossy, varnished sheen on its dark green foliage. This shiny surface contrasts with the duller leaves of other English ivy cultivars. The leaves feel firm yet pliable. It is a self-clinging vine that can spread as a groundcover or climb structures using aerial roots.
Distinguish ‘Ivalace’ by its five-lobed leaf shape, pronounced wavy or crimped edges, and high gloss. While many ivies have lobed leaves, the “cupped” and “lacy” effect from its ruffled margins is a hallmark. Its stems and petioles can also take on a reddish hue in cooler temperatures.
Caring for Ivalace
Caring for Ivalace English Ivy involves providing suitable conditions to support its growth and maintain its attractive appearance. It thrives in fertile, well-drained soil, preferring consistently moist but not waterlogged conditions. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot, which causes browning and dropping leaves. Regular misting or a pebble tray helps maintain the moderate to high humidity ivy prefers, especially indoors.
Ivalace English Ivy prefers partial to full shade, performing best in bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate full shade, very deep shade might reduce its growth vigor. If grown outdoors, it can tolerate full sun but may experience leaf scorch. Ideal temperatures for Ivalace English Ivy range between 50°F and 70°F (10°C to 21°C), and it can tolerate mild fluctuations.
Regular pruning is beneficial for maintaining the desired shape, promoting denser foliage, and improving air circulation. For outdoor plants, pruning is best done in early spring before new growth begins, or in late winter. Indoor plants can be pruned by pinching or snapping vines just above a leaf node to encourage bushier growth. Ivalace English Ivy can also be propagated from stem cuttings, which root easily in water or moist soil. Select a healthy stem, remove lower leaves, and place the cutting in water or well-draining soil until roots develop.