Hedera helix
common ivy
H. helix is a vigorous, self-clinging climber with three- to five-lobed, glossy, evergreen leaves, often with pale green veins, and some reddish or bronzy colours in autumn. Mature plants produce bushy, non-clinging branches with diamond-shaped leaves, and small, nectar-rich, greenish-yellow flowers in clusters of rounded heads in autumn, followed by black berries in winter
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Green | Black |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Ingestion may cause severe discomfort, contact may irritate the skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Hedera are evergreen climbing shrubs clinging by aerial roots. Clusters of small yellow-green flowers are followed by usually black berries. Foliage of flowering shoots is often less deeply lobed than that of the sterile, climbing shoots
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow in sun or shade, in almost any soil except waterlogged, sprawling on the ground or clinging to any support. May become invasive
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Cuttings from adult growth will produce shrubby, non-climbing plants
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Ground cover
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 11 at any time
Pests
Aphids, scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite may be a problem
Diseases
May be subject to a leaf spot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.