This attractive foliage can get out of hand fast.
Native to Europe, English ivy (Hedera helix) is a widespread, evergreenground coverthat thrives in theshade.
Typically, it sports dark-green leaves with three to five lobes, but many variations exist.
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Some selections feature variegated foliage with leaves edged in white or yellow.
Other forms flaunt heart-shaped, deeply cut, rounded, or diminutive leaves.
While beautiful, this invasive species is toxic to people and pets.
Care for this plant by protecting it from harsh weather conditions, including intense heat and winds.
English ivy will cover the trunk and main limbs when climbing a tree, blocking sun exposure.
It can shade out so many leaves that the tree dies due to a lack of photosynthesis.
English ivy is considered invasive in many states throughout the South, along with other areas.
This plant will climb and spread without interference to stop it from extending beyond its intended growth area.
During the winter, English ivy can grow in partial direct sunlight.
Not enough sun exposure hinders growth and variegation.
Soil
When growing English ivy in containers, use a potting mix with plenty of drainage holes.
Amend the ground soil with mulch to help retain moisture.
Do not oversaturate the ground, and provide plenty of drainages.
Reduce watering by half during the winter.
Fertilizer
Use a monthly fertilizer during English ivy’s growing season.
Stop fertilization during periods of excessive heat during the summer or after the temperatures drop in the winter.
Use sterilized pruning shears to trim ground cover and remove diseased foliage by pinching off leaves.
If growing English ivy near a tree, gently remove the vines from the soil instead of the bark.
By cutting tree-climbing vines at the tree’s base, the vines above will die.
Eradicating ivy on the ground means carefully timed weed-killer applications.
Spraying in the summer or fall does no good because a waxy coating on the leaves prevents absorption.
You must spray English ivy in the spring when the new leaves are bright green and lack the wax.
Use pruning as a way to shape and control ivy.
Remove unwanted ivy by removing the roots and discarding them in the trash.
Propagating English Ivy
English ivy propagates through stem cuttings.
Use the cuttings created when pruning or make a selection when ready.
Choose a container at least one inch larger in diameter and fill it with moist, potting soil.
English ivy can handle transplanting every one to two years, depending on its size.
Avoid getting the foliage wet, and prepare the ground before the first frost.
After watering, add a two-to-three-inch layer of mulchchopped leaves or wood chipssurrounding the plant’s roots.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Adult English ivy plants flower and produce blue-black berries filled with seeds.
The invasive nature of this plant causes this to be an issue if left unchecked.
English ivy is susceptible to many pests, including aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs.
Prevent spider mite infestations by growing English ivy in an area high in humidity.
Treat all pests by spraying the foliage with soapy water or using a neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Root rot is preventable when maintaining proper care, including avoiding oversaturated soil and treating it with a fungicide.
see to it the top few inches of soil are dry before watering again.
When English ivy is overwatered, it causes the stem to decay, while underwatering causes foliage to wrinkle.
Don’t plant English ivy in areas that receive afternoon sun exposure in regions with harsh summer climates.
When caring for English ivy in containers, adjust its placement depending on the time of day.
North Carolina State Extension.Hedera helix.
