Hedera colchica Sulphur Heart: The Stunning Persian Ivy

Persian Ivy, Gold Leaf, Paddy’s Pride, Hedera colchica Aureostriata

Hedera colchica Sulphur Heart, known as Persian ivy, is a striking evergreen climber prized for its bold, variegated foliage and vigorous growth habit. With its large, heart-shaped leaves splashed with lime-yellow centres and deep green margins, this ivy brings instant brightness to dull garden spaces, particularly those shaded or north-facing. It’s an excellent choice for covering unsightly walls, fences, or large boundary structures while providing year-round interest with minimal effort.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about growing and caring for Hedera colchica Sulphur Heart. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you’ll find expert tips on planting, pruning, soil preparation, and managing potential problems — plus guidance on where to buy this eye-catching plant.

Hedera colchica Sulphur Heart is a self-clinging, evergreen climber native to parts of Asia, particularly Iran and the Caucasus region. Commonly referred to as Persian ivy, this variety stands out for its large, leathery leaves marked with golden-yellow centres and dark green edges. The foliage is dense and lush, offering excellent ground coverage or vertical interest depending on its training.

This vigorous ivy is particularly valued for its hardiness, thriving in both sheltered and exposed positions. Its ability to climb without support on rough surfaces like brick, stone, or timber makes it a low-maintenance solution for gardeners seeking long-term coverage and visual appeal. It’s also highly adaptable, growing well in coastal gardens, urban environments, and rural settings.

Where and How to Plant

Plant your Hedera colchica ‘Sulphur Heart’ in a spot with well-drained soil for best results. It performs well in light or partial shade, where the variegation remains vibrant, but also tolerates full sun once established. This makes it a flexible option for different garden conditions, from shady walls to brighter courtyards.

While it will grow in a wide range of soil types — including chalky or alkaline soils — enriching the planting area with compost or well-rotted organic manure will give your ivy the best possible start. If you’re working with heavy clay, consider improving drainage by incorporating grit or leaf mould into the soil.

Spacing and Support

Given its vigorous nature, allow plenty of space for growth. If left unchecked, mature plants can reach heights of up to 4–5 metres or more, with a similar spread. When first planting, young specimens may benefit from light support. Guide new shoots towards a wall or fence using soft garden twine until the aerial roots have secured themselves naturally.

One of the main benefits of Hedera colchica ‘Sulphur Heart’ is its low-maintenance nature. However, occasional pruning will help maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and prevent the plant from spreading beyond its intended area.

• When to Prune: Light pruning can be done in spring or early summer to control size. A more thorough tidy-up can be carried out in late winter if needed.
• How to Prune: Use clean, sharp secateurs to remove damaged, overlong, or unwanted stems. Always wear gloves when pruning, as the sap may irritate sensitive skin.
• Feeding: While not essential, an annual mulch of organic matter in spring can promote healthier foliage and sustained growth.

How Fast Does It Grow?

‘Sulphur Heart’ is a fast-growing climber capable of covering large areas relatively quickly. It can extend by around 30–60cm per year in ideal conditions. Its self-clinging aerial roots make it highly effective at establishing on rough surfaces, offering excellent screening and insulation.

Seasonal Features

While its foliage is the main attraction, Hedera colchica ‘Sulphur Heart’ also produces small, spherical clusters of greenish-yellow flowers in late summer to autumn. These are followed by black berries in winter — an additional feature, though toxic if ingested. The flowers are a good source of late nectar for pollinators, especially bees.

Sunlight

Although this ivy prefers partial or dappled shade — where its leaf colours remain sharpest — it will also tolerate full sun if the soil stays moist and nutrient-rich. In full sun, leaf edges may scorch in arid conditions, so mulching and consistent watering may be necessary during prolonged dry spells.

Soil Preferences

• Ideal Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
• Tolerances: Alkaline, chalky, or clay soils (improved with organic matter)
• Drainage Tip: Avoid waterlogged areas, especially in winter

You can find Hedera colchica ‘Sulphur Heart’ at reputable UK garden centres and nurseries. Several online plant retailers also offer delivery to your door for added convenience. Look for healthy, well-rooted specimens in 2L or larger pots if you aim for faster garden coverage.

Generally, this plant is robust and trouble-free. However, it may occasionally be affected by:

• Aphids or scale insects – treat with horticultural soap or neem oil
• Leaf spot or mildew – ensure good airflow and avoid overwatering
• Excessive spread – prune regularly to contain growth and avoid encroachment

Keeping your plant healthy through regular care, pruning, and soil improvement will help reduce the likelihood of issues. Like all ivy varieties, please be careful about its vigorous habit, especially near gutters, woodwork, or roof tiles.

Like many ivies, the berries and foliage are toxic if ingested. Keep the plant out of the reach of young children and pets. The sap may cause mild skin irritation, so wearing gloves when handling is recommended.

I’ve grown Hedera colchica ‘Sulphur Heart’ in a few shady spots around the garden where other climbers have struggled, and it never disappoints. It’s bold, variegated foliage lifts dark corners, and it’s one of the few plants I can rely on for year-round impact with very little fuss. Once it gets going, it’s almost entirely self-sufficient — I just give it a light prune now and then to keep it from venturing too far. I especially like training it up old brickwork, where the contrast between the foliage and masonry creates a striking effect. If you’re after something dependable, vigorous, and full of character, this ivy is well worth a place in your garden. Give it space to spread and some support early on, and you’ll be rewarded for years.

• Hedera Sulphur Heart is a vigorous, evergreen climber
• Features striking yellow-green variegated leaves
• Relatively low-maintenance and easy to grow
• Prefers light shade but tolerates full sun
• Thrives in well-drained soil
• Pruning is generally not necessary, though it can be done to control size or shape
• Perfect for covering walls, fences, or banks and slopes
• Available at most good nurseries and garden centres

Hedera colchica ‘Sulphur Heart’ is a fantastic addition to any garden where bold foliage and low maintenance are priorities. Its ability to thrive in challenging locations — from shaded boundaries to exposed walls — makes it an excellent choice for adding instant structure, colour, and year-round appeal. With just a little guidance and occasional care, this ivy will reward you with decades of dependable growth. 

Check out the RHS article here.

Explore our full collection of planting guides for expert advice on climbers and wall shrubs.

Want to learn about other climbers? Read about Hedera helix Glacier here.

Q: What is Hedera colchica ‘Sulphur Heart’ (Persian Ivy)?

A: Hedera colchica Sulphur Heart, also known as Persian Ivy, is a striking climbing plant with attractive yellow variegated leaves. It’s an evergreen climber that adds splashes of light to your garden all year round.

Q: How should I care for my Persian Ivy?

A: Caring for your Persian Ivy is pretty straightforward. Ensure it receives direct sunlight and regularly water it during the growing season. Applying a balanced liquid fertiliser each month will promote healthy growth.

Q: Can I buy Persian Ivy at my local nursery?

A: Absolutely! Many nurseries stock Persian Ivy, but it’s wise to check if they have the specific ‘Sulphur Heart’ variety. You can also order it online if it’s unavailable locally.

Q: When is the best time to prune my Persian Ivy?

A: The ideal time to prune your Persian Ivy is during the growing season (spring and summer). This helps shape the plant and encourages healthy new growth.

Q: Is Hedera colchica ‘Sulphur Heart’ suitable for groundcover?

A: Yes, it’s excellent for ground cover! Its spreading habit and lush, yellow-splashed foliage allow it to cover areas effectively.

Q: Does Persian Ivy require special fertiliser?

A: No, it doesn’t need a specialist fertiliser. A standard balanced fertiliser, applied regularly during the growing season, will provide optimal results.

Q: What are the benefits of growing Persian Ivy in my garden?

A: Persian Ivy offers beautiful gold and lime green variegations and provides year-round colour. It’s also known for its hardiness, making it an excellent choice for any garden.

Q: Has Persian Ivy received an award from the Royal Horticultural Society?

A: Yes! Hedera colchica ‘Sulphur Heart’ has received the Award of Garden Merit (AGM) from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), a testament to its beauty and reliability as a climbing plant.

Q: Can I grow Persian Ivy in a pot?

A: Definitely! Just ensure the pot is adequately sized and provides good drainage. Keep it in a sunny position, and it will flourish.