Hedera helix (English Ivy)

Prized for its ability to thrive in shady places, Hedera helix (English ivy) is a vigorous, fast-growing, evergreen perennial that excels as a climbing vine or trailing ground cover. Adaptable and reliable, English ivy features 2 distinct forms: a juvenile form in which the plant climbs or spreads via aerial rootlets and produces lobed dark green leaves on non-flowering stems; a mature form in which unlobed dark green leaves appear on rootless stems that produce round clusters of greenish-white flowers in fall, followed by yellow-orange to black berries. The Ivy berries are an important source of food for hungry birds in winter. If not eaten, they will persist until spring and provide food for young birds.

Being evergreen and shade-loving, Ivy is perfect for winter gardens and can form an attractive covering for garden structures. Ivy is not a parasite, does not normally damage buildings or walls, and is rarely a threat to healthy trees.
Native to Europe, English ivy is a popular ornamental plant that is considered an invasive species in Australia, New Zealand, and the western USA. While the species is most often grown, there are many attractive cultivars to pick from, with both deeply cut and variegated foliage, that are less vigorous than the species.

• May grow up to 20-30 ft. tall (6-9 m) and 15 ft. wide (4.5 m). This perennial plant spreads via its stems which root at the nodes where they touch the soil.
• A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. This plant is not fussy about soils and tolerates a wide range of conditions. Tolerates full sun. Some drought tolerance, but produces its best foliage color in evenly moist soils. Provide shelter from cold, drying winds.
• If grown indoors, English Ivy prefers medium to bright indirect light but can tolerate low light. It will grow best and produce more vigorous foliage when provided with a good amount of light. However, it is quite adaptable and can survive in lower light levels, although its growth may be slower and its leaves may become less lush. For the healthiest plant, aim for bright, indirect light, but rest assured that English Ivy can still do well in dimmer conditions.
• Perfect for shade gardens, Hedera helix is a versatile plant that is ideal as a groundcover, for climbing unsightly walls, fences, and garden structures or for hanging baskets.
• A hardy, low-maintenance and forgiving perennial, it is also deer and rabbit resistant.
• English Ivy is celebrated for its air-purifying qualities, effectively reducing indoor pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
• Susceptible to leaf spots, aphids, scale insects, and vine weevils.
• Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
• Ingestion may cause severe discomfort.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Hedera helix is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.