Description
Ornamental ivy - Hedera helix 'Milkshake
In a nutshell
Ivy, Hedera helix 'Milkshake', is broadly variegated with creamy white on the edges of the leaf blade, sometimes with a red border.
The leaf is composed of 5 lobes.
Milkshake' ivy is a mutation of 'Micro Kolibri' selected by Olivier Arcelus.
The question of circumstance
What is a mutation?
A mutation, also called a 'sport' in English, or lusus in French, is a botanical phenomenon in which a part of a plant develops in a way that is totally different from the rest of the plant. This difference may concern :
- color: a variegated stem on ivy that is not variegated, for example
- on shape: clinging leaves on ivy with flat leaves, for example
These mutations are of natural origin. They are not the result of human intervention or hybridization. They may be the result of the plant's adaptation or reaction to stress or changes in growing conditions.
Ivy is very familiar with this kind of phenomenon. That's 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.
Technical data
Botanical information
- Family: Araliaceae
- Genre : Hedera
- Species: helix
- Cultivar: 'Milkshake
- Pierot classification: variegated ivy
- Foliage stage: juvenile
- Species origin: Europe, from Spain to Norway, but little on the Atlantic coast.
- Origin of cultivar: selected by O. Arcelus
- Mutation: 'Micro Kolibri' sport
Description of Hedera helix 'Milkshake
- Growth habit: bushy
- Number of lobes: usually 5 lobes
- Sheet length: 5cm
- Sheet width: 4 cm
- Leaf color: several shades of green with creamy-white variegation
- Color of veins: cream
- Stem and petiole color: pinkish brown
- Hairs: stellate, 3 to 5 branches
Planting, growing and care instructions for Hedera helix 'Milkshake
- Exposure: shade, part shade
- Hardiness: -15°C
- Soil moisture: cool soil
- Soil PH: neutral or calcareous
- Soil type: all
- Soil richness: ordinary or humus-bearing
- Use: ground cover, pots, window boxes
- Development: moderate
- Pruning: once a year
- Pests: very rare (red spider mites, scale insects)
- Diseases: very rare (leaf spots)
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