ClimbersHedera helix
Common Ivy
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.
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
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
PerennialsHosta 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.
ShrubsHydrangea 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.
TreesTaxus 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.