Description
Irish ivy – Hedera hibernica ‘Rona’
In a nutshell
Irish ivy, Hedera hibernica ‘Rona’, has leaves as wide as they are long, composed of 5 lobes.
The blade is speckled with green on a yellow background. Sometimes the blade is entirely yellow. Other times, only half of the blade is variegated. The stems are thick, more or less branched.
This moderate-growing ivy is particularly suitable for pots.
History
This cultivar was discovered in 1975 in the United States by Mrs. Rona Schaepman, wife of one of the presidents of the American Ivy Society.
Technical leaflet - Hedera hibernica 'Rona'
Botanical information
- Family: Araliaceae
- Genus : Hedera
- Species: hibernica
- Cultivar: ‘Rona’
- Pierot classification: standard ivy, variegated ivy
- Foliage stage: juvenile
- Species origin: Europe, Atlantic coast, from Portugal to Scotland
- Cultivar origin: discovered in 1975 by Rona Schaepman, wife of the then president of the American Ivy Society.
Description of Hedera hibernica ‘Rona’
- Growth habit: spreading
- Number of lobes: usually 5 lobes
- Leaf length: 8 cm
- Sheet width: 8 cm
- Leaf color: yellow speckled with green
- Color of veins: cream
- Stem and petiole color: purple green
- Hair: stellate, small
Planting, growing and care instructions for Hedera hibernica ‘Rona’
- Exposure: part shade
- Hardiness: -12°C
- Soil moisture: cool soil
- Soil PH: all
- Soil type: all
- Soil richness: ordinary or humus-bearing
- Use: ground cover, climber, pot, window box, houseplant
- Development: moderate
- Pruning: once a year
- Pests: very rare (red spider mites, scale insects)
- Diseases: very rare (leaf spots)

A page from my little ivy encyclopedia
All your questions about ivy
Where to plant ivy?
Ivy is a versatile plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions.
- Ivy is ideal for covering walls and fences, creating an aesthetic effect while masking less attractive surfaces.
- It easily climbs vertical surfaces thanks to its aerial roots, adding greenery to brick, stone or wooden walls.
- Ivy can be planted at the foot of trees, where it climbs to create a natural effect. It is often used in forest gardens.
- Ivy is effective for stabilizing slopes and embankments, thanks to its dense root system that helps prevent soil erosion.
- Ivy can be grown in hanging pots or window boxes, where it falls elegantly, bringing greenery to interiors and balconies.
- Ivy tolerates shade well and can be planted in areas with little sunlight where other plants find it difficult to thrive, such as under trees or against north walls.
- Ivy can adapt well to damp soil, making it a good option for banks or damp areas in your garden.
- Ivy is often used in urban environments to green buildings and improve the aesthetics of public spaces.
- On building facades, it can help regulate interior temperature by providing natural insulation.

Ivy in literature
“She leaned against the ivy-covered wall, searching for an outlet in her thoughts.”
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