Hedera helix 'Golden Child' is a striking English ivy with small glossy leaves that display golden yellow variegation along their margins. It is an attractive choice for hanging baskets, indoor pots, or as a low maintenance ground cover in shaded outdoor beds.
Height & Spread: 6 - 8 ft x 3 - 5 ft
Bloom Time: Insignificant; valued for foliage
Light Requirements: Bright indirect light indoors; part shade to shade outdoors
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained, humus rich soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers evenly moist conditions
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This ivy cultivar is derived from European native Hedera helix but is not native to North America. It is typically used as a cultivated ornamental plant.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart for ground cover; allow trailing space in containers or vertical planting.
Landscape Placement
- Useful for brightening shaded edges, containers, or for indoor trailing displays where golden color adds warmth and texture.
Companion Plants
- Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - Offers spring flowers and deeply lobed foliage in filtered shade.
- Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow' - Spreads under and between ivy, offering mixed color tones in shade.
- Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade' - Lifts the color palette with vivid lime tones that echo golden ivy margins.
- Hosta 'Gold Standard' - Enhances the gold accents of the ivy with bold foliage contrast.
- Carex elata 'Aurea' - Provides vertical gold accents and water tolerance.