"andrewpreece" wrote in message ...
I read that members of the Hibernica ( Irish ) group of Ivies were fast
growing. I don't know their leaf size or how easy they are to get hold
of. Hedera "Sulphur Heart" ( Paddy's Pride ) has large, variegated leaves
but I'm not sure of its vigour.

Andy

"Paul" wrote in message
...
Having just put up a 30ft long trellis along a fence i am now looking
for suggestions for a fast growing large leafed evergreen ivy to cover
it. Any suggestions appreciated.

Paul.


The form of Paddy's Pride I have (I think that's what I've got: I
shamelessly nicked a cutting from a public park some years ago) seems
to be rather slow-growing; but I haven't got it in the best spot, so
this may not be fair evidence. I took a part-rooted piece off it three
years ago and put it in a 10-litre container, and it's only now
extended a foot or so up the wall; which suggests it's sensitive to my
hobby-borse, over-potting.

Variegated plants are always weaker growers for me - less chlorophyll,
I suppose.

I fancy Hedera colchica (Persian Ivy), which the book says is a dark
green fast climber with leaves 8-10" long and 6" wide. Never tried it,
though Paddy's is apparently a form of it. There is or maybe was an
ivy specialist called "Whitehouse Ivies" in Essex, telephone 0621
815782: their catalogue is fascinating.

Mike.