Hedera helix ‘Sulphur Heart’ – Bold Evergreen Climber with Striking Foliage

The Hedera helix ‘Sulphur Heart’ is a bold and versatile evergreen ivy that brings instant impact to the garden. Its large, heart-shaped leaves are splashed with golden-yellow centres, surrounded by deep green margins. This variegated foliage creates year-round colour and contrast, brightening shady spots and adding drama to walls, fences, and trellises.

A vigorous climber, ‘Sulphur Heart’ clings to surfaces using aerial roots, making it an excellent choice for covering unsightly walls or buildings. It can also be used as groundcover, providing dense evergreen foliage that suppresses weeds. Hardy, reliable, and low-maintenance, this variety is equally useful for large gardens needing strong coverage or smaller spaces where a statement plant is required.

General Information

Hedera helix, or common ivy, is a native European species, prized for its adaptability and ornamental foliage. The cultivar ‘Sulphur Heart’ (sometimes sold as ‘Colchis Dentata Variegata’) is one of the most eye-catching forms thanks to its variegated leaves.

• Habit: Vigorous, self-clinging evergreen climber or groundcover.

• Height & spread: Can reach 6–10m tall and wide, depending on support and conditions.

• Foliage: Large, heart-shaped leaves with golden-yellow centres and dark green edges; evergreen, providing year-round colour.

• Flowers: Small, greenish-yellow clusters in late summer to autumn, attracting bees and pollinators.

• Fruit: Glossy black berries in winter, enjoyed by birds.

• Position: Thrives in full sun to full shade; variegation is brighter in more light.

• Soil: Grows in almost any soil type, from poor sandy ground to heavy clay, as long as it’s well-drained.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland.

• Uses: Ideal for covering walls, fences, and buildings, or as weed-suppressing groundcover in borders and shady areas.

Its ornamental leaves and easy growth make it both decorative and practical, especially for larger gardens or architectural planting schemes.

Care Guide

Hedera helix ‘Sulphur Heart’ is a tough, low-maintenance plant that thrives in a wide range of conditions with little intervention.

Planting

• When to plant: Best in autumn or spring, though container plants can be planted year-round.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot; allow 1–1.5m spacing if using as groundcover.

• Preparation: Improve soil with compost before planting to encourage strong establishment.

Watering & Feeding

• Water well in the first year to establish roots.

• Once mature, ivy is drought-tolerant and rarely needs extra watering.

• Feeding is generally unnecessary, though a balanced fertiliser in spring can boost growth in poor soils.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Prune in late winter or early spring to control size and shape.

• Regular trimming prevents the plant from becoming too vigorous or invasive.

• Remove any unwanted growth from gutters, roofs, or neighbouring plants.

• As groundcover, mow or shear to keep it neat and compact.

Protection

• Fully hardy and tolerant of frost, wind, and pollution, making it suitable for urban gardens.

• Generally pest- and disease-free, though watch for occasional scale insects or aphids.

• Wear gloves when pruning, as sap may cause skin irritation.

Why Choose Hedera helix ‘Sulphur Heart’?

This striking ivy is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking year-round impact and versatile coverage.

• Eye-catching foliage: Golden-yellow variegation brightens walls, fences, and shady corners.

• Evergreen cover: Provides structure and colour all year long.

• Versatile: Can be grown as a climber or groundcover.

• Wildlife-friendly: Flowers attract pollinators; berries provide winter food for birds.

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, adaptable, and easy to grow in almost any soil or light conditions.

The Hedera helix ‘Sulphur Heart’ is both decorative and practical, combining dramatic foliage with evergreen resilience. Whether climbing up a wall, spilling over a pergola, or spreading as groundcover, it delivers reliable beauty and coverage with minimal care.

• Size
  80-100

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.