How to Grow and Care for English ivy

English ivy, also known as Common ivy, European ivy, Poet's ivy

English ivy is a highly adaptable and vigorous plant, with a low level of care difficulty. Key care points include ensuring adequate indirect light and maintaining moist soil without letting it become waterlogged. Special attention should be given to its invasive nature; english ivy requires regular pruning to manage growth and prevent it from overrunning spaces.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Toxic to Human & Pets

In This Article

Planting and Growing English ivy

Toughness	High
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Partial sun
Soil pH	6-7.5
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	7-11
Toxicity	Toxic to Human & Pets

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Varieties of English ivy

English ivy 'Wilsonii'

English ivy 'Wilsonii' is a variation on Baltic ivy (or Baltic English ivy) with smaller leaves. Each leaf has a distinct bird-foot shape and attractive green color. It retains a more compact habit than most related variants and is less likely to become invasive. It is well regarded as ground cover.

English ivy 'Manda's Crested'

The leaves on this cultivar of English ivy are wavy and unique but retain the deep green and pale veins of its parent. In the winter, though, english ivy 'Manda's Crested' gains a purple tinge as the temperature drops as if to keep the garden or climbing wall colorful all year.

English ivy 'Yellow Ripple'

English ivy 'Yellow Ripple' is variegated with 'ripples' of yellow, silver, and green primarily around the leaf margins. This cultivar grows more slowly than its parent, English ivy, but tolerates higher temperatures. That can be an important deciding factor for gardeners in warmer climates.

English ivy 'Conglomerata'

English ivy 'Conglomerata' is an unusual form of ivy that grows slowly in a dense 'conglomerate' of leaves that pack the leaf stems. Where the parent plant climbs freely and quickly to vine lengths of up to 30 m, after 10 years this cultivar will reach just 45 cm. This ivy loves shady growing conditions.

English ivy 'Goldchild'

English ivy 'Goldchild' is a variegated ivy with heart-shaped leaves that are dark green with yellow margins. It is commonly used in gardens for its ornamental value and ability to attract birds and insects. The plant is toxic to humans and pets if ingested and can be invasive if not properly contained.

Common Pests & Diseases

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The Toxicity of English ivy

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More General Info About English ivy

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English ivy exhibits a vining growth habit with evergreen leaves that are typically 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in size, featuring a waxy texture. The distinctive leaves are dark green, glossy, and shaped with three to five lobes. English ivy often forms dense mats of foliage when used as a groundcover or exhibits vigorous climbing using small aerial rootlets, which can adhere to various surfaces. Its appearance can vary widely depending on the age and growing conditions. Seasonally, english ivy may produce small, inconspicuous flowers followed by dark berries.