Ivy-leaved toadflax (Kenilworth ivy) Cymbalaria muralis
Ivy-leaved toadflax (Kenilworth ivy) (Cymbalaria muralis) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Plantaginaceae family, native to Southern Europe (Alps, Italy, the western Balkans); naturalised on old walls across Europe and beyond. It grows 3–8 cm (1–3 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
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Ivy-leaved toadflax (Kenilworth ivy) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Mature height | 3–8 cm (1–3 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 17–29 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: young leaves (raw, in small amounts; peppery) |
| Native to | Southern Europe (Alps, Italy, the western Balkans); naturalised on old walls across Europe and beyond |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Ivy-leaved toadflax (Kenilworth ivy) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Ivy-leaved toadflax (Kenilworth ivy)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Ivy-leaved toadflax (Kenilworth ivy)
- How far apart should I plant Ivy-leaved toadflax (Kenilworth ivy)?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Ivy-leaved toadflax (Kenilworth ivy) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Ivy-leaved toadflax (Kenilworth ivy) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Ivy-leaved toadflax (Kenilworth ivy)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Ivy-leaved toadflax (Kenilworth ivy) flower?
- From about April for 17–29 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Ivy-leaved toadflax (Kenilworth ivy) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Ivy-leaved toadflax (Kenilworth ivy)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Ivy-leaved toadflax (Kenilworth ivy). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Wildflowers and meadows, Plantlife (UK)
Notes and assumptions
- Trailing threads of small, ivy-shaped leaves and tiny lilac snapdragon flowers with a yellow lip, all year in mild places. After flowering, each flower stalk bends away from the light to push its seed capsule into a crack in the wall.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Foxglove Digitalis purpurea
- Snapdragon Antirrhinum majus
- Penstemon (beardtongue) Penstemon digitalis
- Hebe Veronica speciosa
- Fairy foxglove Erinus alpinus
- Parry's penstemon Penstemon parryi
- Rice paddy herb (ngò om) Limnophila aromatica
- Angelonia (summer snapdragon) Angelonia angustifolia