Hedera helix Goldchild (English Ivy)

A beautiful gold variegated ivy, Hedera helix ‘Goldchild’ (English Ivy) is an evergreen climber with medium-sized, lustrous, three to five-lobed, gray-green leaves, 2-3 in. across (5-7 cm), adorned with broad, bright gold margins. In hot weather, the variegation can fade to butter yellow. The color is also not as intense if grown in the shade, but the variegation is still prominent. Extremely ornamental, this versatile ivy does well as a houseplant and can be used as a ground cover or for covering a low wall.

A beautiful gold variegated ivy, Hedera helix 'Goldchild' (English Ivy) is an evergreen climber with medium-sized, lustrous, three to five-lobed, gray-green leaves, 2-3 in. across (5-7 cm), adorned with broad, bright gold margins. In hot weather, the variegation can fade to butter yellow. The color is also not as intense if grown in the shade, but the variegation is still prominent. Extremely ornamental, this versatile ivy does well as a houseplant and can be used as a ground cover or for covering a low wall.

  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society. The American Ivy Society has selected Hedera helix ‘Gold Child’ as the Ivy of the Year for 2008.
  • Grows up to 3 ft. tall (90 cm).
  • A full sun, part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. This plant is not fussy about soils and tolerates a wide range of conditions. Some drought tolerance, but produces its best foliage color in evenly moist soils. Provide shelter from cold, drying winds.
  • Susceptible to leaf spots, aphids, scale insects, and vine weevils.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
  • Ingestion may cause severe discomfort.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Hedera helix species is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 10

Heat Zones 6
– 12

Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Climbers
Plant Family Hedera – Ivy
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders, Walls and Fences
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage