Hedera helix ‘Perkeo’ – Ornemental Ivy

First of all, the foliage

The vast majority of ivies have foliage cut into 3, 5 or 7 lobes. But Hedera helix ‘Perkeo’ is an exception, with its almost round leaves. This is a rather rare characteristic among ivies. But that’s not all. Most ivy leaves are flat. But not at ‘Perkeo’, whose leaves are curved, embossed or bumpy. Some people see them as ears. But rest assured, they don’t listen to you! Still, ‘Perkeo’ is not lacking in charm with its soft green foliage in spring and which takes on beautiful winter colors a little orange. It is even prettier when the red veins that crisscross it stand out.

But also the behavior

As you have very often noticed, ivies have only one desire: to climb. These shade plants crawl until they find a tree, a wall or a post, in short a support thanks to which they will finally be able to access a little more light. Here too, Hedera helix ‘Perkeo’ is an exception. It forms a thick, bush-like clump, but does not particularly seek to climb. As such, it is an excellent choice for those looking for a ground cover that does not attack trees, even if ivy does not harm the trees on which it climbs.

And its frugality

Ivy, most often, thrives in undergrowth, where the soil is rich in humus resulting from the decomposition of branches and leaves of trees. ‘Perkeo’ does not hate this kind of situation. But it will then behave like ordinary ivy with lobed leaves, losing its originality. Conversely, it is in poor and even dry soil that it will be most typical, with its leaves and its very original shape.

Ivy, Hedera helix ‘Perkeo’, will prove to you that there is a great diversity among ivies and that we can create original and permanent decorations by choosing well from the very rich range of different shapes, different foliage, different colors, different behaviors …

Another ivy with almost the same characteristics as ‘Perkeo’: Hedera helix ‘Ralf’. You should also know that the ivy ‘Perkeo’ is a mutation of ‘Ralf’.