Species English ivy
lobed, triangular-shaped, green leaves with green petioles and woody brown stems

English ivy

Hedera helix

English Ivy is a stunning climbing plant with amazing versatility. Its woody and aerial roots allow it to climb walls, making it an ideal choice for garden walls and trellises. It is capable of surviving in almost any situation, be it indoors or outdoors, in the sun or shade. English Ivy acts as a natural air-purifier by removing mould, pollen, formaldehyde and other toxic particles from the air. Its evergreen, variegated leaves provide seasonal interest, even in winter. This plant is an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardeners, and its hardy nature makes it ideal for covering large areas. With this beautiful and versatile climbing plant, your garden will be the envy of your neighbours.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Greenwood Cuttings,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Greenish white Flowers

Sun:

part shade,filtered shade,part sun/part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

green,yellow,purple,black,white Fruits In Spring Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

High

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 about twice a week during summer and once a week in winter. You should water the plant until the soil is evenly moist, but not soggy. English ivy does well in humid environments, so you may want to mist it regularly and use a pot with drainage holes or water-retaining material at its base to maintain humidity.

sunlight

English ivy, also known as Hedera helix, prefers partial to full shade and no more than 3 hours of direct sunlight a day. Generally, mornings hours of direct sun are best, as the intensity of the light is lower. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to yellow or brown and suffer sun damage, which can lead to an overall decline in the health of the plant. English ivy should be placed in an area of the garden that is receives dappled sunlight or filtered sun throughout the day.

pruning

English ivy should be pruned twice a year - once in the spring and once in the fall. Prune English ivy to remove any dead or damaged portions of the plant, and to maintain the desired shape and size. Pruning should focus on removing overgrown or unwanted foliage, shoots, and tendrils. To prune, use sharp garden shears, and cut the foliage back to the desired size. Pruning should be done lightly, since too much pruning can damage the plant's health. For best results, prune English ivy after it has finished blooming in the spring and just before the first frost of the fall.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of English ivy fruits typically begins in late summer or early fall, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

English ivy typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Starts Flowering

English ivy typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of English ivy fruits typically begins in late summer or early fall, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map

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.