Also known as Kenilworth Ivy · 81 gardener saves

Cymbalaria: the varieties gardeners actually grow

Cymbalaria, the genus most gardeners know as kenilworth ivy. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.

3 varietiesZones 4–10Shade friendly

The 3 most-saved Cymbalaria varieties

Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.

How to grow Cymbalaria

What the Cymbalaria varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.

The Cymbalaria year

  • PlantMarch, April and September100% of varieties

    Plant in spring or fall, ideal for filling wall crevices or gaps

  • PruneJuly100% of varieties

    Cut back heavily in early fall if growth is too dense or invasive

  • Spring CleanupFebruary100% of varieties

    Remove any dead or damaged foliage before new growth starts

Do

  • Prune to maintain shape and remove dead stems
  • Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
  • Provide bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth
  • Fertilize monthly during the growing season
  • Dividing every few years rejuvenates the plant

Avoid

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Do not expose to direct, harsh sunlight in hot climates
  • Refrain from neglecting pruning which can lead to legginess
  • Don't disturb roots during flowering

What goes wrong with Cymbalaria

ProblemWhat you'll seeWhat to do
AphidsSticky residue and distorted leavesSpray with neem oil or insecticidal soap
SlugsHoles in leaves and slime trailsUse organic slug bait or handpick during evening hours
Root rotWilting and browning at soil levelEnsure well-draining soil and reduce watering
Powdery mildewWhite powder on leavesApply organic fungicide and ensure good air circulation

Making more Cymbalaria

Cuttings

  1. Select healthy stem and cut 3-4 inches
  2. Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil
  3. Mist regularly and keep in bright, indirect light for 6 weeks

Seed sowing

  1. Tuck seeds lightly into moist soil in early spring
  2. Keep soil consistently moist for germination, approximately 2 weeks

Cymbalaria questions

How many types of Cymbalaria are there?

The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Cymbalaria varieties. The most popular — ranked by 81 real gardener saves — are shown first above.

What zones does Cymbalaria grow in?

Across its varieties, Cymbalaria covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.

When does Cymbalaria bloom?

Most Cymbalaria varieties bloom in spring to fall, spring to fall, early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.

Which Cymbalaria should I choose?

Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.

Keep exploring

Design with Cymbalaria in your own yard

Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.

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