Description
Ornamental ivy - Hedera helix ‘Jester’
In a nutshell
Ornamental ivy, Hedera helix ‘Jester’ mutation, It is characterised by its broad foliage with 3 well-separated lobes, unlike the type, which is not lobed.
Its compact growth habit and attractive dark green foliage have earned it an isolated status.
This ivy can be used in many situations, as a climber or ground cover, as well as in pots.
History
This cultivar is a mutation of ‘Hester’ found in the nursery.
Technical details - Hedera helix 'Jester'
Botanical information
- Family: Araliaceae
- Genre : Hedera
- Species : helix
- Cultivar: ‘Jester’
- Pierot classification: bird's-foot ivy, Pittsburgh
- Foliage stage: juvenile
- Origin of the species: Europe, from Spain to Norway, but little on the Atlantic coast.
- Origin of cultivar: selected by O. Arcelus
- Mutation: sport of ‘Hester’
Description of Hedera helix ‘Jester’
- Growth habit: bushy
- Number of lobes: 3 lobes in general
- Leaf length: 4 cm
- Sheet width: 3 cm
- Leaf shape: 3 well-separated lobes.
- Colour of leaf: dark green
- Colour of veins: light green
- Colour of stem and petiole: purple brown
- Hairs: stellate, 3 to 5 branches
Planting, cultivation and maintenance advice for Hedera helix ‘Jester’
- Exposure: shade, part shade
- Hardiness: -15°C
- Growing : easy
- 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
- Development: moderate
- Pruning: once a year
- Pests: very rare (spider mites, mealy bugs)
- Diseases: very rare (leaf spots)
A page from my little ivy encyclopaedia
The question of circumstance...
What is a mutation?
A mutation is a botanical phenomenon in which one part of a plant develops in a completely different way from the rest of the plant. This difference can be :
- colour: a variegated stem on ivy that is not variegated, for example
- the shape of the leaves: clinging leaves on ivy with flat leaves, for example
These mutations are of natural origin. They are not the result of human intervention or hybridisation. They may be the result of the plant adapting or reacting to stresses or changes in growing conditions.
Ivy is very familiar with this kind of phenomenon. This is why new cultivars are constantly appearing.
The most interesting mutations are multiplied by cuttings. If the mutation is stable, it can lead to the creation of a new cultivar.
Ivy in literature
“This old bridge, partly destroyed, was still standing thanks to the embrace of the ivy.”






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