Hedera helix
Hedera helix
English ivy
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Taxonomy
Family Araliaceae · Genus Hedera
Description
Hedera helix, or English ivy, is a tough, evergreen climber and trailing houseplant loved for its classic lobed leaves and fast growth. It thrives in shade to bright indirect light, works as groundcover or a trellis climber, and is easy to shape and maintain. Note: it can be invasive outdoors in many regions.
Common Names
English ivyCommon ivyEuropean ivyIvy
Context
nativeRegion
Europe and Western Asia
usdaZones
4–9
companionPlants
Hosta (Hosta spp.), Ferns (e.g., Dryopteris), Hellebore (Helleborus spp.), Spring bulbs (e.g., Galanthus, Narcissus), Shade-tolerant shrubs (e.g., Hydrangea)
culturalUses
Ornamental groundcover and wall/trellis climber; symbolic in wreaths and garlands; erosion control; popular indoor trailing plant. Considered invasive in many regions—use responsibly.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright indirect light to shade; tolerates low light indoors. Avoid harsh afternoon sun behind glass.
WateringKeep evenly moist; water when top 1 inch (2–3 cm) dries. Reduce slightly in winter; avoid waterlogged soil.
SoilWell-draining potting mix; loamy, humus-rich soil outdoors. pH 6.0–7.5.
FertilizerBalanced liquid fertilizer at 1/4–1/2 strength monthly in spring–summer; pause in winter.
HumidityAverage home humidity is fine; prefers 40–60%. Keep away from hot, dry air.
TemperatureIndoors 50–75°F (10–24°C). Outdoors hardy to freezing in USDA zones 4–9, depending on cultivar.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitEvergreen woody vine; clinging climber and groundcover with aerial roots.
Mature SizeVines 30–50+ ft (9–15+ m) outdoors; 1–6 ft (0.3–1.8 m) trailing indoors when pruned.
Growth RateFast
BloomingSmall greenish umbels late summer–fall on mature (adult) shoots; black berries in winter.
DormancyEvergreen; growth slows in winter without full dormancy.
Propagation
MethodsStem cuttings (tip or node), Layering, Division of rooted runners
DifficultyEasy
Best SeasonSpring to early summer
Maintenance & Notes
PruningPrune anytime to control size; best structural cuts in late winter–early spring. Remove flowering/berrying shoots to limit spread; keep off trees and structures you don’t want covered.
RepottingRepot every 1–2 years in spring when rootbound; refresh top inch of soil annually for large containers.
Pests & DiseasesSpider mites (common in dry air), aphids, scale, mealybugs; leaf spot and root rot if overwatered; edema from inconsistent moisture.
ToxicityToxic if ingested by pets and humans (saponins); sap may irritate skin—wear gloves when pruning.