Hedera helix
English Ivy
Description
This evergreen vine has dark green leaves with pale green veins, climbing upwards to 100'. If used as a ground cover, this plant is less than 1' tall but will spread 100' with time. When mature, clusters of small green flowers bloom in fall, followed by black berries. Best used in pots. Considered invasive in some areas. It does best in part and full shade although it will grow in full sun. It prefers moist, loam soil but established plants will grow in any condition. Be careful where you plant this vine as it may climb and cover gutters, siding, walls.
Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen, Ground cover, Vine
Height Range
Under 1', 3-6'
Flower Color
Green
Flower Season
Fall
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
Black
Fruit Season
Winter
Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Water
Medium
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Moist
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Adverse Factors
Invasive
Design Styles
English Cottage, Formal, Seascape, Woodland
Accenting Features
Espalier
Seasonal Interest
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Background, Parking Strip, Park, Parking Lot, Walls / Fences
Special Uses
Cascade, Container, Erosion Control, Lawn Substitute, Fire Resistant, Naturalizing
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.