Hedera

( HED - er - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Hedera, commonly called Ivy, is used widely as a groundcover and climbing plant, covering swaths of land and buildings quickly and easily. After a 10-year vining 'juvenile' period, these plants become shrub-like and start to produce clusters of greenish white flowers in summertime. The flowers fade and are followed by black berries in fall. Take care when planting these vines in the landscape, as plant parts are poisonous to humans and pets.

Hedera Species and Varietals

The genus Hedera is a member of the plant family Araliaceae and includes 14 species. The best growing zones for Hedera vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Hedera algeriensis (Hedera canariensis) (Algerian Ivy)
This species of Ivy is native to the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean Coast of Northern Africa. Green leaves have shallow lobes and the plant has a coarse look to it. Variety 'Gloire de Marengo' (also called 'Variegata') has leaves edged in creamy white, and 'Ravenshot' is also a great garden ornamental. These vines grow best in USDA hardiness zones 7-11 or Sunset growing zones 5-9 and 12-24 and do not do well in areas with a lot of warm weather. This species is considered invasive in California and Florida in the United States.

Hedera azorica (Azores Ivy)
This species is native to the Azores, and forms an evergreen climber to between 65 and 100 feet tall. It can also be grown as a groundcover. Stems are green, and leaves are large and green. Flowers are small, followed by black berries. Foliage can be used in flower arrangements. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8a-10b.

Hedera canariensis (Canary Island Ivy, Canary Ivy, Madeira Ivy, Algerian Ivy, Canary Ivy)
This species of Ivy is native to the Canary Islands, and forms a perennial evergreen climbing or trailing woody plant. These plants can be used as groundcover. Leaves are broad and glossy dark green. Flowers are greenish and fruits are small black berries. This species is highly invasive in coastal California.

Hedera colchica (Persian Ivy, Colchis Ivy)
This species does best in zones 3b-24 and is native to Turkey and the Caucusus Mountains. It has larger leaves than most other Ivy species. Varieties include 'Dentata' (with slightly toothed leaves), 'Dentata Variegata' (with variegated leaves) and 'Sulphur Heart' (also called 'Paddy's Pride, which has central variegation in shades of gold). This species is considered invasive in the eastern and west coast regions of the United States.

Hedera helix (English Ivy, Common Ivy, King's Choice Ivy)
This species grows in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 3-24 and H1, and is native to Europe. It has dark green leaves. Many cultivars are small and are great for hanging baskets, others are good specimens for topiaries, and still others are great for espaliers and small-scale groundcovers. This species is highly invasive in the Pacific Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeastern United States, New Zealand, and Australia.

Hedera hibernica (Atlantic Ivy, Irish Ivy)
Native to the Atlantic coast of Europe, these evergreen climbers reach between 65 and 100 feet, and can be grown as a groundcover. Bark is green and matures to grey, and leaves are glossy and dark green with pale green undersides. Flowers bloom in September and October, and fruits that follow are blue-black berries. This species is invasive in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.

Caring for Hedera

Take care when planting these vines in the landscape, as plant parts are poisonous to humans and pets. Plant Ivy in springtime, about 1.5 to 2 feet apart. Amend soil with organic matter first, and thoroughly moisten the soil. Make sure that the transplants soil is moist and that its roots and leaves are not wilted or rotting before transplanting. Amend soil with plenty of organic compost before planting and continue feeding every year, once in early spring and once in the middle of summertime. Pull back mulch each time, and replace after working the compost into the soil. Choose a place in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, these vines should be getting between 6 and 8 hours of direct sun each day. In particularly warm climates, make sure they will get some late afternoon shade to avoid foliage getting sunburned. They prefer soils that are well-draining and moderately fertile. If local soils are compacted, do not drain well, or are particularly poor in nutrients, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic matter or compost before installing. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant after installation, ensuring that mulch stays at least a few inches away from the stems. This will increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and maintain a constant soil temperature. Keep the soil moist while plants establish a strong root system; mature plants are considered somewhat drought-tolerant, but they do appreciate consistent moisture during the growth and flowering season. Groundcover Ivy should be trimmed two or three times a year around the edges of its growing plot, and can be mowed if it is getting too tall. Upright vining types can be trimmed up whenever needed, with more severe prunings being reserved for early springtime.

Propagation

Hedera plants are best propagated via cuttings. To propagate your Hedera vine or groundcover plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Hedera by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Problems and Pests

Certain species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Hedera plants can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: