Product Description
Hedera helix 'English'
Zones 4 to 10; Sun to filtered sun and tolerates deep shade.
Mature size can reach 12 to 18 inches height.
Leaves are dark green with white veins, waxy to leathery, and arranged alternately along the stem. Leaf forms include a 3 to 5-lobed leaf and cordate unlobed adult leaves. Exposed to full sun, mature plants may produce unlobed leaves and fertile flowering stems, usually high in the crowns of trees or the top of rock faces. The late summer until late autumn flowers are small, greenish-yellow.
Native to most of Europe and southwest Asia, it is an evergreen climbing plant, actually classified as a high climbing shrub.
In the right conditions, ivy can be a vigorous grower. Plants should be set about one to two inches deeper than the upper layer of the potting medium, for additional root development. Ivies grow best on sites where the soil is aerated and well drained. Ivy is not tolerant of extreme drought or extended wet soil conditions.
This is the classic, quintessential English Ivy, the one you probably picture when you think of ivy-covered walls and charming old gardens. Here's what makes it so beloved:
Timeless Appearance:
- Classic Leaves: 'English' ivy has the iconic, heart-shaped leaves with 3-5 lobes. They're a deep, glossy green, creating a lush and elegant look that's instantly recognizable.
Versatile Growth:
- Ground Cover Extraordinaire: It excels as a ground cover, forming a dense carpet that's perfect for filling in bare spots, covering slopes, or creating a low-maintenance lawn alternative.
- Climbing Champion: It's a natural climber, readily attaching itself to walls, fences, trees, or any other structure you provide. It can create a dramatic vertical element in your garden.
- Container Friendly: It also thrives in containers, where its cascading foliage adds beauty to hanging baskets, window boxes, or pots.
Growing Conditions:
- Shade Tolerant: It prefers partial to full shade, making it a great choice for areas where sunlight is limited.
- Adaptable Soil: It can grow in a variety of soil types, as long as they're well-drained.
- Hardy: It's generally hardy in USDA zones 5-11, so it can handle a wide range of temperatures.
Additional Benefits:
- Evergreen: It retains its leaves year-round, providing constant color and interest to your garden.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it's relatively easy to care for.
- Air Purifier: Like other ivies, it can help improve air quality by filtering out pollutants.
Things to Consider:
- Potential for Invasiveness: Like many ivies, 'English' ivy can become invasive if not kept in check. Regular pruning is important to prevent it from spreading beyond its intended boundaries.
- Toxicity: The leaves and berries are toxic if ingested, so it's important to keep it away from children and pets.
Overall: Hedera helix 'English' is a fantastic and reliable choice for adding a touch of classic charm to your garden. Its timeless beauty, combined with its versatility and easy care, makes it a popular option for gardeners of all skill levels.
Eighteen (18) plants in 3.5-inch containers per flat (or tray).
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
