Botanical Name: Hedera spp.
Common Name: Ivy

 

Use: Outdoors
Indigenous/Exotic : Exotic
Evergreen/Deciduous : Evergreen
Plant Type : Climber
Flower Colour :  
Foliage Colour : Green and variegated
Best Season : Spring summer autumn
Light : Sun to shade
Hardiness : Hardy
Attributes :  
Height (m) :   
Spread (m) :
    
Notes: Tough and tenacious ivy is one of the most versatile evergreen plants, not only for autumn and winter display but throughout the year. Ivies adapt to virtually any soil, to full sun or dense shade, and are even tolerant of most industrial pollution.

 

Many have beautifully patterned leaves, some are delicately veined, and others are variegated with cream, gold or yellow. Some have the well-known, heart-shaped leaves, others have very pointed leaves and some even have frilled or ruffled foliage. The small-leaved types tend to be more compact, while others, especially the large-leaved types, are very vigorous and should be kept under control.

 

Ivy has two stages of growth: the climbing is done in the earlier juvenile stage, followed by the forming of flowers and fruit in the mature stage. If left unchecked, ivies become tree-like as they reach the end of their support, the upper stems branching out to form a bushy canopy. The early growth characteristics when the leaves are often more distinctly shaped and the plant is better suited to climbing can be maintained by regular trimming.

 

Because of their aerial roots, ivies are self-supporting. They will cover up ugly walls and can be used most effectively to disguise unsightly tree stumps or poles, or to give a softer look to the bases of statues or birdbaths. For awkward areas, they make tough groundcovers. A word of warning, however. If you let ivy get out of hand, it can overwhelm other plants and damage the plaster on walls.

 

There are two main types, the very vigorous, large-leaved Hedera canariensis and its cultivar 'Variegata', which are best suited to large areas; and the small-leaved Hedera helix and its many different cultivars which are ideal for small gardens and for growing in confined spaces.

 

Ivy will grow in most areas, with the exception of very cold and dry regions.

 

Plant in a sunny or semi-shaded position (the plain green types will grow in full shade) in fertile soil. Water well until established. (Watering a supporting cement wall will help the aerial roots to cling.) Prune ivy back in spring to control it and promote fresh young growth.