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

In the gardens you pass along the way, you'll see variegated foliage brightening the side of an old shed, snaking its way up a brick wall or transforming a tree trunk. But what you'll rarely see is a variegated ivy covered in berries.