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Dark green ivy leaves covering an old stone wallClimbers

Hedera helix

Common Ivy

ivyevergreenclimbing plantshadewall cover

Common Ivy is an evergreen climber that uses aerial roots to cover walls, fences, and trees. Its dark green, glossy leaves provide year-round greenery. Mature plants flower in autumn with inconspicuous green-yellow blooms that are an important late food source for bees and insects.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full shade, Partial shade
Water
Medium
Height
0–600 cm
Spread
100–500 cm
Hardiness zone
4–9
Family
Araliaceae
Evergreen
Yes
Flower colors
green-yellow
Wildlife value
bees, birds, insects

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in shade or partial shade in almost any soil type. Water regularly during the first year, after which the plant is self-sufficient. Ivy needs no fertilizer. Check regularly that it is not growing into gutters or window frames.

Pruning tips

Prune two to three times a year to keep growth in check. In spring and summer, cut back runners that extend beyond the intended area. The plant tolerates a hard prune in March.

Good companions

Large blue-green hosta leaves in a shaded gardenPerennials

Hosta sieboldiana

Hosta

Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.

Full shadeMedium50–90 cm
Blue-purple hydrangea flowers in a shaded gardenShrubs

Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangea

Hydrangea is a popular garden shrub with large, globe-shaped flower heads blooming from June through September. The flowers turn blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline soil. A sturdy plant that thrives in sheltered spots with partial shade.

Partial shadeMedium100–180 cm
Neatly trimmed yew hedge in a green gardenTrees

Taxus baccata

English Yew

English Yew is an evergreen conifer used both as a freestanding tree and as a formal hedge. Its dark green needles are densely packed and form an impenetrable screen. Female trees bear striking red berries in autumn. All parts except the berry flesh are poisonous.

Full shadeMedium1000–2000 cm