Species English ivy

English ivy

Hedera helix 'Midas Touch'

English ivy 'Midas Touch' is an amazing plant species. With its variegated foliage in shades of yellow and green, it adds a striking touch of color to any home. Its evergreen leaves remain throughout the year, even in winter, providing visual interest. It's easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike. It's well-suited to most types of soil, and it's fast-growing and climbing habit gives an elegant flair to walls, fences, and other outdoor surfaces. English ivy 'Midas Touch' is truly a show-stopper and a delightful addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Layering Propagation,Division,Cutting,Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Rarely flowers Flowers

Sun:

part shade,part sun/part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

English Ivy is a fast-growing plant species that typically needs to be watered every 2-4 days. For best results, it is advisable to water lightly but often, rather than giving it 1 large watering every 7 days. The key to proper English Ivy care is to make sure that the soil is always damp but not soggy. To ensure that the soil is adequately moistened, thoroughly water the soil each time it needs watering. When checking to see if the soil needs more water, stick your finger into the soil about 1 inch below the surface. If it feels dry, then you should water your plants.

sunlight

The amount and timing of sunlight for English ivy (Hedera helix 'Midas Touch') depends on the environment and location where the plant is growing. In general, it does best in bright, indirect sunlight, and should ideally receive at least 4 hours of indirect sunlight per day. Provide more sunlight in the warmer months, for a total of 6-8 hours a day. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching, so if you notice the leaves turning yellow or brown, move the plant to a shadier location.

pruning

For English Ivy (Hedera helix 'Midas Touch'), the ideal time for pruning is during the late winter or early spring each year. Pruning English Ivy should be done with light shaping to help control its aggressive growth habit. When pruning, the goal should be to remove any leggy or unruly stems and to thin out the plant to allow for better air circulation and light penetration. Aim to remove no more than 25-35% of all stems each year, which will help maintain the desired shape and size of the plant.

Season

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

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

Starts Flowering

English ivy typically starts 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.