English ivy
Hedera helix 'Tango'
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Layering Propagation,Cutting,Division,Grafting Propagation,Air Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 9
Flowers:
White Flowers
Sun:
part shade,part sun/part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Poisonous To Humans:
Yes
Poisonous To Pets:
Yes
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Indoors:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
English ivy should be watered once a week, using enough to thoroughly soak the soil being careful not to overwater. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering, and check the top soil periodically. If the top 1-2 inches are dry, it is probably time to water the ivy again.
sunlight
English ivy needs 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight per day, preferably in the morning when the sun is not as hot. As a trailing plant, it can also do well in a variety of low light conditions, so long as it gets some indirect sunlight. English ivy is typically best grown in moist, well-drained soils and consistently kept moisturized. Providing more light than necessary may lead to leaf scorch, so be sure to monitor your English ivy’s light exposure and adjust accordingly.
pruning
English ivy (Hedera helix 'Tango') should be pruned twice a year, in the spring and summer months. During the spring months, pruning should be focused on removing any dead or damaged growth from the previous season. This will help to encourage new, healthy growth. During the summer months, English Ivy should be lightly pruned to help maintain its desired shape and form. You should remove no more than a quarter of the plant's growth during a single pruning session, ensuring that the ivy doesn't become too thin and spindly. Pruning English ivy regularly will ensure that the plant does not become overly-vigorous or overgrow its area.
FAQ
Is English Ivy an invasive species?
English Ivy is both an ornamental and an invasive species. Native to Europe, it has spread to parts of North America, where it is often considered an invasive species that is difficult to remove. It can overtake native vegetation, outcompeting plants for resources and creating dense ground cover that impedes activities and blocks sunlight. It is also a fire hazard, and can damage trees by covering the bark, depriving them of sunlight and creating too much weight. As such, care should be taken in planting and allowing English Ivy to spread.
Can English Ivy climb brick walls?
Yes, English ivy is an excellent climber and can easily climb up any type of wall, including brick walls. Its strong aerial rootlets help it grip onto surfaces and its climbing stems boost the plant upwards. English ivy also has an advantage over other climbing plants because it can even cling onto rough surfaces. When growing on a brick wall, English ivy adds a softening touch, while helping to keep the wall protected and insulated.
Can English Ivy climb brick walls?
Yes, English Ivy (Hedera helix) can climb brick walls and other vertical surfaces. This climber is an evergreen, climbing by way of aerial roots, which attach to and grow along the surface it is growing on. Its foliage adds instant greenery to walls, trellises, and other structures. It should be noted however that this plant can become invasive and is known to cause damage to buildings and walls if it is not pruned appropriately.
Are there different varieties of English Ivy?
Yes, there are several different varieties of English Ivy. These varieties can be categorized in several different ways, such as leaf shape, size, and color. Some of the more common varieties of English Ivy include English Ivy Hedera helix, English Ivy Hedera helix 'Arborescens', and English Ivy 'Glacier'. These varieties are all evergreen perennials that can provide beautiful green coverage in gardens and landscaping.
Could English Ivy damage the walls of a building?
Yes, English Ivy can damage the walls of a building. English Ivy is a vigorous vine that has an aggressive root system and can attach itself to walls and masonry, gradually damaging the wall's structural integrity over time. English Ivy can climb up walls and grow over windows, eroding mortar and bricks as its roots become more entrenched, and leading to costly repairs down the line. To prevent English Ivy damage, it is important to remove it from the walls and restrict it to a managed containment area, such as a pot or planter.
Could English Ivy survive in cold climates?
English Ivy is indeed a very hardy species of vine and can survive in a variety of climates. While it is most likely to thrive in warm climates, it can survive in colder climates as well. It is a vigorous climber, able to withstand both frost and snow and still remain healthy. To ensure that it survives in a cold climate, English Ivy should be planted in a sheltered spot away from frost pockets and wind. It is also important to ensure the soil remains moist. If English Ivy is given these considerations it can absolutely survive in cold climates.
Should English Ivy be trimmed regularly?
English Ivy should be trimmed regularly. Trimming English Ivy helps encourage new growth and keeps the ivy looking neat and manicured. If left untouched, the ivy can become overgrown and spindly. Regular pruning also helps encourage a denser, bushier appearance and encourages new leaves to develop. The best time to trim English Ivy is in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. In the summer, trim any dead leaves or stems and shape the plant as desired.
Do bees pollinate English Ivy?
Yes, bees can and do pollinate English Ivy. While English Ivy is usually self-pollinating, it can still benefit from having external pollinators like bees visit the flowers, as this increases the rate of pollination and increases the potential for successful seed production. Bees are attracted to the nectar produced in English Ivy flowers, making them major pollinators for the plant. Bees are essential in the pollination of many plants, and English Ivy is no exception.
