Introduction

Bush ivy is a rapidly growing, semi-climbing, evergreen shrub or vine which will reach 8 to 10 feet in height. It needs some training as it grows to shape it to the desired form. The large, shiny, 3 to 5 lobed leaves are 4 to 8 inches in width and 5 to 10 inches in length, creating a striking specimen for entranceways or other prominent locations. Bush ivy, a hybrid of Fatsia japonica, Fatsia, Moser's Japanese fatsia and Hedera helix, English ivy, was discovered in France and retains the outstanding features of both parents: large, lobed leaves and a vining growth habit.

General Information

Scientific name: x Fatshedera lizei

Pronunciation: fats-HED-dur-uh LYE-zee-eye

Common name(s): fatshedera, bush ivy

Family: Araliaceae

Plant type: vine

USDA hardiness zones: 8 through 11 (Figure 2)

Planting month for zone 8: year-round

Planting month for zone 9: year-round

Planting month for zone 10 and 11: year-round

Origin: not native to North America

Invasive potential: not known to be invasive

Uses: espalier

Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant

Description

Height: depends upon supporting structure

Spread: 8 to 12 feet

Plant habit: spreading

Plant density: moderate

Growth rate: moderate

Texture: coarse

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: alternate

Leaf type: simple

Leaf margin: lobed

Leaf shape: star-shaped

Leaf venation: palmate

Leaf type and persistence: evergreen

Leaf blade length: 4 to 8 inches

Leaf color: green

Fall color: no fall color change

Fall characteristic: not showy

Flower

Flower color: white

Flower characteristic: summer flowering

Fruit

Fruit shape: unknown

Fruit length: unknown

Fruit cover: unknown

Fruit color: unknown

Fruit characteristic: inconspicuous and not showy

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: not particularly showy; typically, multi-trunked or clumping stems

Current year stem/twig color: green

Current year stem/twig thickness: very thick

Culture

Light requirement: plant grows in the shade

Soil tolerances: acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay

Drought tolerance: moderate

Soil salt tolerances: poor

Plant spacing: 36 to 60 inches

Other

Roots: usually not a problem

Winter interest: no special winter interest

Outstanding plant: not particularly outstanding

Pest resistance: long-term health usually not affected by pests

Use and Management

Often grown in containers, bush ivy can be successfully used as an espalier if given support. It does nicely trained on a trellis or can be tied to a post or other vertical support. Untrained plants against a wall often send shoots out away from the wall creating a weeping mess that pulls the plant away from the wall. For this reason, it is not advisable to plant this if you do not plan on providing the occasional required pruning. New growth should be occasionally pinched to promote branching since stems rarely branch on their own.

Bush ivy can be grown in full sun in cool coastal regions in the northern part of its range but should otherwise be placed in partial or deep shade and protected from hot, drying winds. It will tolerate a wide range of soils and should be regularly watered. The cultivar 'Variegata' has white-bordered leaves. Propagation is by cuttings.

Pest and Diseases

Aphids and scale.

No diseases are of major concern.