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Kenilworth Ivy

Cymbalaria muralis
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Cymbalaria muralis (Kenilworth Ivy) — botanical photograph
Pl. 4C31 — Cymbalaria muralis
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Overview

Kenilworth Ivy, scientifically known as Cymbalaria muralis, is a small perennial herb native to the rocky and limestone walls of Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia. This plant thrives in a variety of soil types, including light, medium, and heavy soils, with a preference for a pH between 7.5 and 8, making it well-suited for dry to moist environments. The leaves of Kenilworth Ivy are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked, adding a mild flavor to salads. Its distinctive small, star-shaped flowers, which bloom in May, add charm to rock gardens and walls, making it a valuable ornamental plant. The plant's compact form and ability to grow in a variety of soil types make it an interesting addition to any garden setting. While primarily used for its ornamental and edible qualities, Kenilworth Ivy is also drought-tolerant and can thrive in areas with moderate rainfall. Hardy in temperate regions (zones 3-7), this plant requires partial shade to full sun and can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.

Quick answers

What is Kenilworth Ivy?

Kenilworth Ivy, scientifically known as Cymbalaria muralis, is a small perennial herb native to the rocky and limestone walls of Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia. This plant thrives in a variety of soil types, including light, medium, and heavy soils, with a preference for a pH between 7.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Kenilworth Ivy thrives in light to medium soil types and prefers a pH of 7.5–8. It is drought-tolerant but benefits from moist conditions, making it suitable for areas with moderate rainfall. This perennial plant grows up to 0.1 meters tall and can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Hardy in temperate regions (zones 3-7), Kenilworth Ivy requires partial shade to full sun. The edible leaves are best harvested when young and tender.
Light
5/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.1 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is November
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers

How to grow Kenilworth Ivy for the first time

8steps

Start with Kenilworth Ivy as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or small plants, potting soil, containers or garden space.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7.5–8, ensuring containers have drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds outdoors or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade to help seedlings establish.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to maintain plant health and appearance.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soils, neglecting to provide partial shade.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Kenilworth Ivy (Cymbalaria muralis) are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are typically prepared fresh in salads for their mild flavor. The plant grows well in light to heavy soil with a pH between 7.5 and 8, making it suitable for gardens with similar conditions.
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

5 native · 99 introduced
Distribution across4 continents· 5 native· 99 introduced
Europe24 regions
native (4)AustriaFranceItalySwitzerland
introduced (20)AlbaniaBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
introduced (3)PalestineSouth KoreaTurkey
Americas9 regions
introduced (9)BoliviaColombiaCosta RicaEcuadorGuatemalaHondurasJamaicaUnited StatesUruguay
Africa5 regions
introduced (5)AlgeriaCabo VerdeMauritiusMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia
introduced:Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Arkansas, Baltic States, Bermuda, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, British Columbia, California, Cape Provinces, Chile Central, Colorado, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Delaware, East Himalaya, Illinois, Indiana, Juan Fernández Is., Kentucky, Kriti, Manitoba, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Brunswick, New Jersey, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Newfoundland, North Carolina, Northern Provinces, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Québec, South Carolina, South Dakota, St.Helena, Tasmania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Cymbalaria muralis (Kenilworth Ivy) — botanical photograph
Kenilworth Ivy (Cymbalaria muralis)
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Explore further

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