Expert's choice

Smaller variegated ivies still pack a big punch all year round, says Graham Rice

- Graham Rice

‘Golden Starlight’

Sharply jagged leaves with pale veins and yellow margins. Sometimes listed as ‘Yellow Ripple’. H x S 50cm x 50cm

Go for a walk - urban, suburban or rural - at this time of year and you'll come across ivies dripping with clusters of blackberries. The thrushes, blackbirds, and blackcaps that depend on them as winter tightens its grip will also surely be in evidence.

‘Little Diamond’

Small, dark-green, diamond-shaped leaves, edged in white with pink winter tints. Height x Spread 1.5m x 1.5m