Species English ivy
green colored, palmately, lobed leaves

English ivy

Hedera helix 'Arborescens'

English ivy 'Arborescens' is an amazing plant species. It has long, thick stems, large lobed leaves, and its variegated color pattern of creamy white, yellow-green, and pink-tinged leaves add a unique elegance. It is a hardy, drought tolerant evergreen that does well in full sun, part shade, and low light settings. This species of English ivy is also a great choice for difficult spots in the garden, and it will even thrive when planted in pots. Its air-purifying abilities make it ideal for indoor use as well. This species of plant is also perfect for providing an inviting, lush atmosphere outdoors. All in all, English ivy 'Arborescens' is an outstanding plant choice for both indoors and outdoors.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Layering Propagation,Cutting,Division,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

part shade,full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

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 requires ample amounts of water and should be watered thoroughly, but infrequently. Generally, it is best to water the plant deeply once every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out slightly before the next watering. Too much watering can cause root rot, so allow the top layer of soil to dry out before adding more water. Make sure the soil is evenly moist for best results, and avoid letting the bottom leaves get soggy. Avoid overwatering as much as possible and avoid keeping the soil constantly wet.

sunlight

English ivy (Hedera helix 'Arborescens') requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. It prefers 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, however will tolerate afternoon shade. In areas of high heat, afternoon shade is recommended to provide a buffer against the hottest temperatures.

pruning

English ivy (Hedera helix 'Arborescens') grows best when pruned twice per year. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the plants start actively growing again. This ensures that the plant has time to recover from pruning and to quickly produce new growth. During this time, pruning should be done to thin out any stems that are overly crowded or appear to be leggy, and any stems that have been damaged by cold temperatures. All thinning cuts should be made at a junction between 2 nodes (the part of the stem that an old leaf was attached to). Pruning can also be done in mid to late summer to help the plant retain its shape. However, avoid pruning back too harshly as this may damage the plant.

Season

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

English ivy typically begins flowering in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.

Starts Flowering

English ivy typically begins flowering in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.

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.