English ivy - Hedera helix (Care, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Toxic)

English ivy

Also known as: European ivy, Ivy

English ivy is the most common climber of European forests. It is a perennial woody vine with evergreen, dark, shiny lobed leaves. It utilizes aerial rootlets to attach to the tree bark with exceptional strength, helping the english ivy creep more than 15 m up a tree. Hedera helix also grows as a forest groundcover and is invasive outside its native range.

Scientific classification

Species

English ivy (Hedera helix)

Carrots, ivies and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Vine

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

20 m to 30 m

Plant Height

90 cm to 15 m

Spread

Green, White, Yellow, Variegated

Leaf Color

3 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

Black, Blue

Fruit Color

Green, Yellow, White

Flower Color

Green, Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of English ivy

Distribution of English ivy

Distribution Map

English ivy has a widespread geographical presence, as it is native to regions across Europe and the Mediterranean. Furthermore, its cultivation extends well beyond these areas. While it tends to thrive in its native habitat, english ivy has also been introduced to other continents, namely Asia and South America. In several regions outside its native range, english ivy is sometimes thought to be an environmental concern, as it may have an impact on ecosystems by outcompeting local flora. Despite such concerns, english ivy remains a popular choice for cultivation due to its hardy nature and aesthetic appeal.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woodlands, hedges, shady places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

English ivy is an evergreen woody vine commonly found in gardens across temperate regions. It is prized for its deep green leaves and ability to grow in shaded areas. This climber’s dense foliage means it is suitable for coverage and ground cover. English ivy is appropriate for Victorian gardens. Plant with flowering creepers such as Climbing Rose to make a color contrast.

Symbolism

Love, loyalty, friendship, strong emotional ties

Interesting Facts

English ivy is the birthday flower for April 8. It means influence. Beer was brewed from english ivy in England before the sixteenth century. Mixing it with wheat would turn wheat into beer. Maybe that’s why it carries the meaning of influence. People who are blessed with this kind of flower have great influence and can influence others. Might they be a politician or an entrepreneur? They also have great influence on their lover and can subtly change him or her into what they like.

Name Story

English ivy: The word “ivy” originates from the word “ifig” from the Anglo-Saxon language, and it has the same origin as the German word “efeu”. However, the meaning behind the word is unable to be traced back and all the lianas are called ivy to this day. In European countries, especially in the United Kingdom, it is often planted all over the exterior walls of a building. It has become characteristic for British buildings which also prompts the naming of English ivy.

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Toxicity

English ivy has medium-level toxicity from ingestion or contact; all parts are toxic. Contact causes skin inflammation. Ingestion of berries causes a burning throat; leaves cause severe symptoms, including delirium and vomiting. Moderately toxic to cats and severely to dogs due to triterpenoid saponins. Common in landscaping, so be vigilant. Consult a vet if ingested by pets.

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Quickly Identify English ivy

Dark green glossy leaves with 3-5 lobes.

Clusters of black berry-like drupes on umbels.

Woody stems with adventitious roots for climbing.

Greenish-yellow flowers in umbels.

Dense, waxy texture on 2-4 inch leaves.

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Care Guide for English ivy

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: English ivy prefers consistently moist, well-draining soil and is intolerant to drought and overwatering. Weekly watering helps maintain this balance. As an evergreen indoor plant, english ivy thrives in higher humidity, supporting healthy foliage and robust growth.

Fertilize: For optimal care of english ivy, use balanced or high-nitrogen fertilizers. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks in spring and summer, reducing in fall and winter. Dilute fertilizers to 25-50% strength, and water before application to prevent root burn while adjusting based on growth stages.

Pruning: English ivy is an aggressive climbing or trailing plant with evergreen leaves. Prune in early spring to enhance growth and manage size, ensuring to trim vigorous shoots and remove dead stems. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent its invasive spread and promote healthy development.

Propagation: English ivy is an evergreen climber that propagates easily from stem cuttings. Select a healthy shoot, cut it with leaf nodes, and place in water or potting mix. Maintain moisture, humidity, and warmth to promote rooting. A rooting hormone is optional due to the plant's natural rooting ability.

Repotting: Repot english ivy every 2-3 years in spring using a pot one size larger with good drainage. After repotting, keep it in indirect light and water sparingly until new growth emerges. Consistent care promotes english ivy's resilience, making it a great addition to any space.

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Images of English ivy

Distribution of English ivy

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify English ivy

Care Guide for English ivy

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