Hedera colchica aka Persian Ivy

Hedera colchica, or Persian ivy, is a woody evergreen vine. It belongs to the Araliaceae family and lives for many years. Its native range spans northern Türkiye and the western Caucasus. It grows fast, climbing supports or spreading across the ground. Brown stems grip surfaces with small aerial roots. Stems also root where they touch the soil.

Garden plants can reach 26–50 feet [8–15.2 metres] tall. Reported spreads reach 20–26 feet [6.1–8 metres]. In ideal conditions, plants may approach 100 feet [30.5 metres]. Leaves stay green through winter and give the plant coarse texture. They are dark green, glossy, thick, and leathery. Large leaves reach 0.83 feet [0.25 metres] long. Their width can reach 0.5 feet [0.15 metres]. Some leaf edges curl, giving them a drooping look. Young climbing shoots bear lobed leaves with toothed edges. Flowering shoots bear unlobed, heart-shaped leaves with smooth edges.

Mature shoots produce small greenish-white flowers in clustered heads. Bloom falls mainly in September and October. Other reports place its start in late summer. The flowers offer much nectar and draw bees. Round berries turn black as they ripen in winter. Birds eat the fruit and carry the seeds elsewhere. The flowers are modest, while the fruit adds winter interest.

Persian ivy grows well in partial or full shade. It also tolerates sun, though roots prefer cool shade. It favors rich soil that drains well and stays moist. It accepts sand, loam, clay, and chalk. Alkaline soil suits it, but it also tolerates acidic soil. Established growth can cope with dry soil. Sources give USDA zones 5–9 or the narrower 6–9. The RHS rates its UK hardiness as H5. Early spring trimming helps keep its strong growth within bounds.

Dense growth can cover bare shade and suppress weeds. It can also crowd out other garden plants. On slopes, it helps hold soil in place. It can cover walls, trellises, and shaped supports. Leaf spot and mites can cause serious trouble. Aphids, scale insects, and vine weevils may also attack. Thick foliage can shelter slugs and snails. Honey fungus occurs rarely. People and pets can suffer harm from eating it. Contact can also irritate skin or cause an allergic reaction. Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling it.