Overview
Hedera helix is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Hedera, part of the Araliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 8-12 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Hedera helix grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. It is drought resistant and low maintenance.
About
Hedera helix, simply ivy, or common ivy, English ivy, European ivy, King's choice ivy, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araliaceae. It is native to most of Europe and parts of western Asia. Ivy is a clinging evergreen vine that grows on tree trunks, walls, and fences in gardens, waste spaces, and wild habitats. Ivy is popular as an ornamental plant, but escaped plants have become naturalised outside its native range. It grows to around 8-12 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. Grow it in full shade, full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hedera helix
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hedera
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
Plant details
Hedera helix size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hedera helix?
Hedera helix prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Hedera helix need?
Hedera helix is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Hedera helix grow?
Hedera helix reaches a height of 8-12 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
More in the Hedera genus
- Hedera helix '238th Street'
- Hedera helix 'Alt Heidelberg'
- Hedera helix 'Avon Pittsburgh'
- Hedera helix 'Blue Moon'
- Hedera helix 'Brazil'
- Hedera helix 'Brimstone' (v)
- Hedera helix 'Chalice'
- Hedera helix 'Chrysaor' (v)