Variegated tree ivy

Shrub

× Fatshedera lizei ‘Variegata’

Variegated tree ivy

Also known as: × Fatshedera lizei ‘Argenteovariegata’

A sparsely-branched evergreen shrub with large ivy-like leaves edged in cream, equally happy in shade outdoors or as a houseplant.

  • Full sun, Partial shade
  • 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft)
  • 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft)
  • H3 · Zone 9
  • October–November
  • Evergreen

Overview

This bigeneric hybrid between Fatsia japonica and Irish ivy combines a shrubby, part-climbing habit with large, leathery, palmately lobed leaves narrowly margined in cream. Small white flowers appear in globose autumn clusters. It tolerates full shade better than almost any other hardy shrub and copes with most UK winters outdoors in a sheltered spot, though a hard, exposed frost can scorch the variegated margins; it is equally at home as a houseplant or conservatory plant where marginal hardiness is a concern.

At a Glance

Sun Full sun, Partial shade
Height 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft)
Spread 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft)
Hardiness H3 · Zone 9
Flowers October–November
Soil Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture Moist well drained
Habit Bushy
Water Moderate
Maintenance Easy
Variegated tree ivy
Variegated tree ivy

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature -5°C (23°F)
pH Range 6–7.5
Fertility Average
Drainage Free Draining

Aspect Suitability

  • East-facing
  • South-facing
  • West-facing

Site Tolerance

  • Coastal

Soil Tolerance

  • Clay
  • Chalk
  • Sandy
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH
  • Alkaline

Foliage

Variegated tree ivy
Variegated tree ivy
Persistence Evergreen
Colour Green, Cream
Leaf shape / texture palmately_lobed
  • Variegated
  • Architectural foliage

Foliage interest: 12 months of the year

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowering
Foliage
Propagate
  • Flowering Oct Nov
  • Foliage 12 months of the year
  • Propagate May Jun Jul

Maintenance Calendar

  • Mar Pinch young shoots to encourage a bushy shape
  • May Plant out or move containers outside once frost risk passes
  • Jun Water during dry spells while establishing
  • Aug Trim to shape and remove any winter damage
  • Nov Shelter containers or fleece outdoor plants in hard frost

Garden Design

Works well in: Coastal, Container, Contemporary, Cottage, Screening, Tropical, Tropical / Exotic, Woodland

Useful for a shady city courtyard or as a support-grown wall shrub; support container-grown plants and give a sheltered spot in colder gardens, or grow it as a houseplant where winters are hard.

Companion planting: Ferns, Hostas, Shade shrubs

Wildlife Value

  • Bees
  • Other pollinators
  • Shelter

Safety

No well-established toxicity, though as a member of the ivy family it is best kept as an ornamental plant only.