How to Grow & Care for English Ivy

English ivy is an extremely versatile and hardy plant, before you get stated you might want to have a look at all the different varieties of the Hedera plant. Once you picked your favourite, you can begin the ivy planting. But let’s start with the botanical basics.

Overview of English ivy

English ivy (Hedera helix), is a species of flowering plant in the Araliaceae family, native to Europe and Western Asia. This evergreen vine skilfully climbs surfaces like tree trunks, walls, and fences, thanks to its aerial rootlets. It thrives especially well in moist, shady locations and as we all know, we have more than enough of those in the British Isles.

• Light: Partial to full shade are ideal, but direct sunlight is not a problem either. It can also grow well indoors in bright, indirect light.
• Soil: Well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil pH (6.0-7.8) is wonderful for English ivy.
• Water requirements: English ivy prefers consistently moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
• Size: The only limit is the size you prune it to. Potted plants also don't grow indefinetely.
• Flowering: Small, greenish-white flowers in the fall.
• Maintenance level: Low

Growth habits

English ivy is a robust and versatile climber that can reach heights of 20 to 30 metres when given suitable surfaces to climb, such as trees or walls. It features two types of leaves: palmately lobed juvenile leaves on creeping and climbing stems, and unlobed cordate adult leaves on fertile flowering stems. Now, if you are asking yourself how fast does ivy grow, you are onto something. Ivy Hedera helix grows 20 to 28 inches (ca. 50 to 70 cm) annually and creates a dense green cover. These characteristics make it ideal for both aesthetic and practical uses in landscaping. 

Uses in landscaping

Many use English ivy as a decorative hedge or ground cover. It is particularly effective in quickly creating screens that enhance privacy while adding a touch of cottage flair to the landscape. The Hedera plant is also valued for its adaptability to various light conditions and soil types, flourishing in everything from full sun to deep shade. Its drought resistance ensures it remains lush even during dry spells. Moreover, its ability to cool building interiors in summer and provide insulation in winter makes it a practical choice for eco-friendly landscaping. But beware, ivy can also cause damage to the facade, for example if the foliage is too dense or the crawling roots break up mortar.

English ivy varieties

Hedera helix ‘Buttercup’

A vibrant and lush ivy with bright yellow-green leaves.

Hedera helix ‘Goldchild’

An elegant ivy with variegated leaves featuring shades of gold and green.

Hedera helix ‘Midas Touch’

A striking ivy variety with golden-yellow foliage that adds a touch of warmth to any setting.

Steps to plant English ivy

Do you want to plant ivy indoors or outdoors? Depending on your plans, the steps to planting ivy vary.

After planting, water your indoor or outdoor ivy thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and help eliminate any air pockets. English ivy requires consistent moisture, especially during the first growing season, to establish a robust root system. Water the plant once the top of the soil is dry.

Maintaining English ivy

To keep your English ivy thriving, regular watering is crucial. It’s important to let the soil dry out between watering to prevent root rot. During the initial growth phase, maintain moist soil conditions, but once established, English ivy becomes quite drought tolerant.

Fertilising and soil management

English ivy generally requires minimal fertilisation. If grown in pots, replace the potting soil annually to replenish nutrients, which is usually sufficient for its growth needs. For those planted in the ground, there’s no need for additional feeding. The plant prefers well-drained loam and thrives in soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 5.5 and 6.5. Avoid clay-based soils to ensure proper drainage.

Seasonal care tips

Prune English ivy in mid-spring to manage its size and prevent it from becoming overly dense, which can lead to pest issues. If you notice any variegated leaves reverting to green, trim these shoots promptly to maintain the desired aesthetic. For indoor plants, adjust watering during the colder months, reducing frequency to match the plant’s slower growth rate. This helps prevent issues like brown leaf tips, which indicate too warm conditions or dry air.

Propagating English ivy

Propagating English ivy is easy, so don’t be shy about it. In late summer, take semi-ripe cuttings from climbing shoots. Each cutting should be 4 to 5 inches (ca. 13 cm) long, with at least two leaves or 3 to 4 leaf nodes. You can either plant these cuttings in a moist potting mix or start them in water. For soil propagation, place the stem sections into well-drained potting medium and cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Keep these in a bright spot out of direct sunlight and remove the bag once you see new growth. If propagating in water, ensure the container is clear and change the water every two to three days to prevent bacteria build-up.

Caring for new plants

Once your ivy cuttings have developed roots, which typically takes a few weeks, they are ready to be moved to a more permanent location. If you started the cuttings in water, gently transition them to soil to avoid shock. Plant them in well-draining potting soil, ensuring that the roots are well-covered but not too deep. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to encourage further rooting. For those propagated in soil, continue to keep the environment humid and the soil moist until the plant is well-established.

Handling common issues

English ivy is relatively resistant to pests, but vigilance is key to preventing infestations. Common pests include aphids, which attack young growth, especially on indoor plants, and vine weevils that target pot-grown specimens. To manage these, you can have a look at our expert articles about these pests. Additionally, spider mites and mealybugs may appear, especially under dry conditions. Regular misting and wiping the leaves with soapy water or alcohol can help prevent infestation. If you notice any scale insects, such as the Viburnum scale, treating with appropriate insecticides or simply wiping them off with alcohol can keep them at bay.

Avoiding diseases

Ivy plants can be affected by several diseases, primarily fungal and bacterial. Common issues include leaf spots and powdery mildew, which typically do not severely impact the plant’s health but can be unsightly. For bacterial and fungal leaf spots, improving air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing infected leaves are effective preventive measures. If diseases persist, applying fungicides can help. Additionally, plant your ivy in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot diseases like Phytophthora and Fusarium.

FAQs about English ivy

Ready to start ivy planting?

Now you know all you need to get started planting your crawling ivy plants. In case you want to combine ivy with more colourful flowering plants, we recommend our articles on camellias, summer flowers and hydrangeas. Do you have any tips yourself that you would like to share with other garden enthusiasts? Or maybe you intend to ask a question? Then leave a comment.

Happy gardening!

Louis Hooft

Founder & Lawn expert

Introducing Louis Hooft, the founder of MOOWY and your reliable expert. With a profound love for stunning lawns and extensive experience in garden maintenance, Louis is here to assist garden enthusiasts in achieving a greener and livelier outdoors than ever before. Count on Louis for invaluable tips, clever tricks, and top-notch products to make your garden flourish!