English Ivy
English ivy drapes walls, trails from hanging baskets, and carpets shady ground with its iconic lobed leaves in an endlessly satisfying green cascade.
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The Vine That Goes Everywhere
English ivy has blanketed European walls and woodland floors for centuries, earning its reputation as one of the most adaptable and vigorous climbing plants in cultivation. Its dark, waxy, lobed leaves cling to surfaces via tiny aerial rootlets, scaling brick, stone, and trellises with ease.
Indoors it thrives as a trailing houseplant, softening shelves and hanging baskets with lush, variegated or solid-green foliage. Outdoors, its dense coverage suppresses weeds and stabilizes slopes - though in many regions outside its native Europe it has earned invasive status and should be planted with care.
Planting & care
Plant in well-draining, moderately fertile soil with consistent moisture. Indoors, choose a bright spot out of direct sun - too much light bleaches leaves, too little causes leggy, sparse growth. A cool room (50-70 degrees F) suits it well. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry and mist leaves occasionally to deter spider mites.
Fertilize lightly every four to six weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer; skip feeding in winter. Pinch stem tips regularly to encourage bushy rather than straggly growth. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to keep pores clear and pests in check. Repot every two years or when roots circle the container base.
Handle With Care
English ivy sap is a known skin irritant and all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested by humans, dogs, and cats - keep it out of reach of curious pets and children, and wear gloves when pruning or repotting.
How much sun does English Ivy need?
English Ivy grows best in part shade to full shade.
How often should you water English Ivy?
Give it about 1 in per week; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.