Hedera helix Buttermint Alcea eventually creating a stack of

eventually creating a stack of porcupine-like balls

the dark black of the night

In contrast

The 18" tall plants make 2' wide clumps in 3 years but spread much faster (4' wide patch in 2 years) in very wet soils by means of short

it goes summer dormant by early August

Hedera helix Buttermint Alcea eventually creating a stack ofHedera 'Buttermint' is my favorite of the adult ivies a small leaf adult form of Hedera 'Elegantissima' with foliage bearing a central leaf pattern of dark green surrounded by a creamy yellow border. The tight clump forms a 4' tall x 5' wide evergreen mound in 7 years a great year round interest feature in the garden.