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.
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5 – 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6 – 12 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1 |
Plant Type | Climbers, Perennials |
Plant Family | Hedera – Ivy |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
Height | 20' – 30' (6m – 9m) |
Spread | 3' – 15' (90cm – 4.5m) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Evergreen |
Native Plants | United Kingdom |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders, Walls and Fences |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |