English Ivy
Hedera helix
The classic evergreen climbing vine that transforms any surface into a lush green wall year-round. English Ivy's distinctive lobed leaves and vigorous climbing habit make it perfect for covering unsightly fences, walls, or creating dramatic ground cover. Its adaptability to both sun and shade conditions makes it one of the most versatile vines for home landscapes.
Sun
Ficus pumila
Zones
4–13
USDA hardiness
Height
20-80 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for English Ivy in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 vine →Zone Map
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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
Hostas
Both thrive in similar shade conditions and complement each other visually
Ferns
Share preference for moist, shaded environments and create layered woodland garden effect
Astilbe
Enjoys similar shade and moisture conditions, adds colorful blooms to ivy groundcover
Heuchera
Tolerates shade well and provides contrasting foliage colors against ivy's green
Caladium
Both prefer partial shade and create attractive textural contrast in shade gardens
Impatiens
Thrives in shade where ivy grows and adds seasonal color above ivy groundcover
Japanese Painted Fern
Complements ivy in shade gardens with silvery foliage providing visual interest
Begonia
Shares tolerance for shade and moist conditions while adding flowering elements
Keep Apart
Tomatoes
Ivy can harbor pests and diseases that affect tomatoes, and competes aggressively for nutrients
Roses
Ivy can climb and smother roses, blocking sunlight and air circulation they need
Fruit Trees
Ivy can climb trunks and compete for nutrients while potentially harboring harmful insects
Vegetable Gardens
Aggressive spreader that can quickly overtake vegetables and compete for growing space
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, may get leaf spot in humid conditions
Common Pests
Scale insects, spider mites, aphids
Diseases
Leaf spot, root rot in poorly drained soils