Ivy (English Ivy)
Hedera helix
The classic evergreen vine that doubles as dense ground cover, English ivy creates a lush green carpet that thrives in deep shade where grass won't grow. Its glossy, lobed leaves provide year-round coverage, making it ideal for problem areas like steep slopes and dry shade under mature trees. This vigorous grower quickly establishes to suppress weeds and prevent erosion.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Ficus pumila
Zones
4–13
USDA hardiness
Height
20-80 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Ivy (English Ivy) in USDA Zone 7
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Ivy (English Ivy) · Zones 4–13
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Ficus pumila, Hedera canariensis, x Fatshedera lizei. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Wet. Height: 20 ft. 0 in. - 80 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 3 ft. 0 in. - 50 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 24-60 feet, more than 60 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: 'Arborescens', 'Baltica', 'Bulgaria', 'Buttercup', 'Glacier', 'Gnome', 'Gold Child' or 'Goldchild', ' Green California', 'Hibernica', 'Ivalace', 'Midas Touch', 'Variegated'. Propagation: Division, Root Cutting, Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Conspicuous cluster of black berry-like drupes.
Color: Black, Blue. Type: Aggregate, Berry, Drupe. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
Edibility: Leaves and berries are toxic to humans.
History & Origin
Origin: Europe, Scandinavia east to Russia
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought, Heavy Shade, Salt
- +Attracts: Songbirds
- +Edible: Leaves and berries are toxic to humans.
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -Toxic (Bark, Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Sap/Juice, Seeds, Stems): Medium severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hosta
Both thrive in shade conditions and create layered woodland garden design
Ferns
Share similar moisture and shade requirements, complement each other aesthetically
Astilbe
Tolerates shade and provides colorful contrast to ivy's evergreen foliage
Heuchera
Adds textural and color interest while tolerating ivy's dense coverage
Caladium
Provides seasonal color in shaded areas where ivy serves as evergreen backdrop
Japanese Painted Fern
Silver foliage creates striking contrast with ivy's green leaves in shade gardens
Ajuga
Another vigorous ground cover that can coexist and provide spring flowers
Lamium
Shade-tolerant ground cover with variegated leaves that complements ivy
Keep Apart
Vegetables
Ivy competes aggressively for nutrients and can harbor pests that damage edible plants
Young Trees
Can climb and smother saplings, preventing proper growth and development
Native Wildflowers
Invasive ivy outcompetes and displaces native plant communities
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, may develop leaf spot in humid conditions
Common Pests
Spider mites, aphids, scale insects
Diseases
Leaf spot, root rot in poorly drained soils