Mike Lyle wrote:

"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.


Or indeed the Nat COllection of Hedera..

http://www.fibrex.co.uk/
//
Jim