Common Ivy
Hedera helix
Also known as
English Ivy, Bentwood, Bindwood, Ivory, Ivy Gum Plant, Love United, Ivy, Irish ivy, Italian ivy
Partial Shade
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H5
RHS hardiness
-15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
20m | Max | 5m |
2m | Min | 2m |
10 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
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Common Ivy Overview
Ivy is a great ground-cover plant, often used to hide unsightly walls and buildings where it also serves as a natural insulator. It prefers to grow in shade, making it a common sight in woodland, and perfect for winter gardens. The evergreen leaves are often used in decorations - even used in Christmas wreaths. This plant is an important source of food for birds and bees in autumn and winter, it is part of the Royal Horticultural Society “Plants for Pollinators” initiative to showcase plants which support pollinator populations by providing ample amounts of nectar and/ or pollen. A great choice for encouraging pollinating insect wildlife into your garden!
How to harvest Common Ivy
Generally not harvested
How to propagate Common Ivy
Seed
Seeds can be scattered in moist, shady areas in early spring.
Cuttings
Removing the stem, leaf or root of the ivy and planting in moist soil will allow a new plant to grow. This is the most successful and easiest method of propagation.
Layering
Allow a growing shoot to touch soil - by covering with with a bit of soil or rock, it will send roots from nodes underground. As soon as it is well-rooted, cut from the otherplant and replant.
Special features of Common Ivy
Attracts birds
The fruits are an important food source for birds in late Autumn and Winter.
Attracts useful insects
Many insects use the dense foliage as shelter over Winter.
Ground cover
Attracts bees
Other uses of Common Ivy
A low maintenance plant that is an excellent ground cover plant for banks/slopes/under shrubs/trees. It can also be trained through wire fencing or up trellis/wooden fencing to create an attractive living screen. Suits wildlife friendly gardens as well as cottage garden styles.
Decoration
Popular greening decoration for functions and special events - the leaves are hardy and will not wilt too quickly.
Planting For Butterflies - Host/Food Plants
Include these plants in your garden for butterflies to hatch out caterpillars on.
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Autumn Blooms for Pollinators - Top 20
A choice of the best autumn flowering plants for pollinators.
