Common Ivy
Hedera helix
Also known as English Ivy, Ivy, European Ivy
Climate Match for your location
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A vigorous evergreen vine with small, glossy dark green leaves that clings to surfaces via aerial rootlets. Produces inconspicuous greenish flowers in fall followed by black berries, and tolerates deep shade better than most climbing plants.
Why grow it
Common ivy outperforms most other climbing vines in establishing dense cover under deep shade, where few alternatives thrive. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and wildlife habitat, and it requires minimal maintenance once established. Where invasiveness is not a concern, it can serve as a fast-growing screen or ground cover, though gardeners should verify local restrictions before planting.
Watch out for
Ivy can take several seasons to transition from juvenile (non-flowering) to mature growth forms, which may affect coverage timelines. The plant's aerial rootlets grip surfaces firmly, making removal labor-intensive if replanting becomes necessary. In wet climates, dense ivy cover can retain moisture against building walls and may require periodic thinning to prevent structural issues.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Araliaceae
Native Range
Western Asia and Europe
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Baltica' is hardy to zone 4 and has smaller leaves; 'Hibernica' (Irish Ivy) is more cold-tolerant and vigorous. 'Goldheart' offers yellow-centered variegated foliage for ornamental appeal.
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A vigorous evergreen vine with small, glossy dark green leaves that clings to surfaces via aerial rootlets. Produces inconspicuous greenish flowers in fall followed by black berries, and tolerates deep shade better than most climbing plants.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Common Ivy grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Common ivy outperforms most other climbing vines in establishing dense cover under deep shade, where few alternatives thrive. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and wildlife habitat, and it requires minimal maintenance once established. Where invasiveness is not a concern, it can serve as a fast-growing screen or ground cover, though gardeners should verify local restrictions before planting.
Watch out for
Ivy can take several seasons to transition from juvenile (non-flowering) to mature growth forms, which may affect coverage timelines. The plant's aerial rootlets grip surfaces firmly, making removal labor-intensive if replanting becomes necessary. In wet climates, dense ivy cover can retain moisture against building walls and may require periodic thinning to prevent structural issues.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Araliaceae
Native Range
Western Asia and Europe
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar climbers you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Baltica' is hardy to zone 4 and has smaller leaves; 'Hibernica' (Irish Ivy) is more cold-tolerant and vigorous. 'Goldheart' offers yellow-centered variegated foliage for ornamental appeal.