Hedera helix

English Ivy

 

Descriptions:  The genus Hedera contains 8- 12 species of self-climbing or trailing climbers.  Leaves are alternate on woody stems with most having 3 – 5 lobed leaves which are sometimes variegated.  Of these, Hedera helix is known as the English Ivy and is an evergreen creeping vine growing 6 – 8 inches high in general.  It spreads horizontally over the ground or climbs horizontal surfaces by aerial roots and thrives in shady locations although sun may be tolerated with certain varieties.  Thus making this plant material especially useful under trees or other locations where grass will not grow.  English Ivy has two distinct growth stages.  In the creeping or climbing juvenile stage vines have adventitious roots, lobed leaves and minute hairy young shoots.  In the adult stage, which generally occurs 20 feet above ground level, aerial bushes are produced with leaves that are ovate with entire margins with green-yellow flowers.

 

In the landscape H. helix tolerates a wide range of conditions but grows best in fertile humus-rich, moist, well drained soil.  Green-leaved varieties are very shade tolerant.  Variegated varieties prefer more light.  Protect from winter sun and wind particularly where marginally hardy.  If the temperature drops below 40°F, many green varieties will develop leaves with shades of red or purple.  Variegated varieties have been reported to turn pink while yellow varieties become maroon streaked. There are several varieties available known as “self-branching” varieties, this means that the plant will produced branches by itself without chemical or mechanical process resulting in a fuller plant.

 

Establishment can be hastened if the last four leaves are removed and the stem buried to the lowest leaf axil.  Many varieties of English Ivy establish very rapidly and should be grown where they can be controlled.

 

 

Layman Wholesale Nuseries offers the following cultivars of Hedera helix.