Description
Ornamental ivy - Hedera helix ‘Mariposa’
In a nutshell
Ornamental ivy, Hedera helix ‘Mariposa’, is a variety with atypical leaves. They are composed of 6 to 8 asymmetrical lobes. The terminal lobe is sometimes deeply divided into two parts, giving the leaf a butterfly-like appearance, hence the name ‘Mariposa’ (= butterfly in Spanish).
There is great diversity in the leaves, rarely do two look alike. All the lobes end in a point. The leaf blade is dark to medium green, with slightly toothed margins.
This is a very branchy ivy that forms attractive clumps as ground cover, but also as a climber. It is even better suited to hanging baskets. Be careful to clean out the untyped branches regularly, every spring, otherwise the well-typed stems will disappear.
History
This cultivar was discovered by Yolanda de Silva in Valinda, California, USA, in 1987. It is thought to be a mutation of Hedera helix ‘Irish Lace’.’
Technical details - Hedera helix 'Mariposa' (Mariposa)'
Botanical information
- Family: Araliaceae
- Genre : Hedera
- Species : helix
- Cultivar: ‘Mariposa’
- Pierot classification: curiosity ivy, ivy with bird's-foot leaves
- Foliage stage: juvenile
- Origin of the species: Europe, from Spain to Norway, but little on the Atlantic coast.
- Origin of cultivar: sport of ‘Irish Lace’, discovered in 1987 in California, USA
Description of Hedera helix ‘Mariposa’
- Growth habit: spreading
- Number of lobes: 6 to 8 lobes in general
- Leaf length: 4.5 to 6 cm
- Leaf width: 3 to 5.5 cm
- Leaf colour: medium to dark green
- Colour of veins: green
- Colour of stem and petiole: purple green
- Hairs: stellate, 3 to 5 branches
Planting, cultivation and maintenance advice for Hedera helix ‘Mariposa’
- Exposure: shade, part shade
- Hardiness: -15°C
- Soil moisture: cool soil
- Soil PH: neutral or chalky
- Soil type: all
- Soil richness: ordinary or humus-bearing
- Use: ground cover, climber, pot, window box, hanging baskets
- Development: slow
- Pruning: once a year
- Pests: very rare (spider mites, mealy bugs)
- Diseases: very rare (leaf spots)
Ivy in literature
“Ivy covered the silent graves, like a veil of respect for those who rested in peace.”








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