Bullock's Heart Ivy is a vigorous evergreen vine that belongs to the Persian ivy family and thrives in zones 6 through 9. Its heart-shaped leaves grow larger than most other ivies, reaching up to 10 inches long, with a distinctive deep green color and slightly ruffled edges that give them a naturally textured appearance. As a climbing vine, it can reach impressive heights of 10 to 40 feet depending on support and pruning, or sprawl as a ground cover across large areas. This hardy plant tolerates drought, dry soil, and heavy shade, making it an exceptionally flexible choice for difficult garden spots where other plants struggle.
Partial Shade
Moderate
6-9
480in H x 72in W
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High
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The foliage of Bullock's Heart Ivy is strikingly bold and substantial, with leathery heart-shaped leaves that seem to curl and wave at the edges, creating a lush, almost luxurious texture. It anchors itself to surfaces through aerial rootlets, climbing and clinging without support from twine or fasteners, and adapts equally well to vertical growth up walls or horizontal spread across the ground. The showy fruit that develops in fall adds seasonal interest, while the plant's tolerance for heavy shade and drought means it can thrive in spaces where shade is dense and consistent moisture is hard to maintain.
Bullock's Heart Ivy excels as both a climbing vine and a ground cover, particularly in shaded areas where it can cover large expanses of garden bed or cascade down slopes. It's often naturalized in woodland settings and borders, where its evergreen foliage provides year-round structure. As a vertical element, it clings to masonry, fences, and walls without damaging surfaces, offering dense screening and privacy throughout the seasons.
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Trim Bullock's Heart Ivy in early spring to control its vigorous growth and maintain an attractive appearance. For large ground cover areas, mow with a rotary mower on a high setting if necessary to manage spread and rejuvenate the planting.
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