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English ivy: Hedera helix

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English ivy: Hedera helix

This popular, shade-lovingclimber produces glossy, dark green, 3-5 lobed leaves on vigorous stems. Attaching itself with arial roots, English ivy can quickly cover any surface, although it may damage wood structures or loose masonry. Commonly used as a houseplant, cultivars of English ivy can have variegated folige or solid leaf colors.

Profile

Plant typevine,ground-cover,house-plant
Hardiness zones0 to 0
Lightpart-shade-to-full-shade
Habitspreading
Soil pHslightly-acidic-to-neutral-pH6.5-7
Soil moisturemoist
Foliage colorvariegated
Foliage size3 in. to 3 in.

did you know?

English ivy is usually grown as a creeping groundcover or trained to grow on a wall or tree. What few people know about English ivy is that after years of undisturbed growth as a groundcover, it will enter into a mature stage of growth as a woody, shrublike plant. In this mature stage, large clusters of tiny flowers will be followed by small yellow to black fruit. At this point it will also loose its distinctly palm-shaped leaves and bear glossy oval leaves.

general maintenance:

Groom regularly for a tidy appearance by removing any yellowed or brown leaves. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness if desired or leave to spread and climb removing only those shoots that encroach on other plants.

pests/diseases:

English ivy is relatively carefree.

how to sow/plant:

Start with new plants or rooted cuttings. In spring, choose a shady site with moist, well-drained soil and amend with well-rotted manure or compost. Set plants at the same depth they were in the pot, spacing 8-12 inches apart. Water after planting and mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Maintain soil moisture all season. Fertilization is not required.

garden hint:

In warmer climates, plant ivy in controlled area as it can spread quickly.

features:

  • Disease Resistant
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Evergreen
  • Heirloom
  • Shade Tolerant
  • Winter Interest

garden uses:

  • Climbing
  • Containers
  • Ground Cover
  • Indoors
  • Shade Woodland Garden

other uses:

    combine with:

    false goatsbeard (Astilbe), bleeding heart (Dicentra) and barrenwort (Epimedium).

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