August 1996
Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf
Height: 4 to 6 inches as a ground cover
20 to 50 feet as a climbing vine
Shape: Spreading
This vine has rich, shiny, dark-green leaves that hold their color all winter if protected from winter sun and wind.
Zone: 5 to 9
Light: Partial shade
Moisture: Moist
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 7.0
Suggested uses for this plant include climbing vine, ground cover, and screen on fencing or other support.
* Plant in the spring in a shady location with a
fairly moist soil, well-supplied with organic
material.
* For quick coverage within one year, space plants
one foot apart. Otherwise, place plants 18 to
24 inches apart.
* Aerial rootlets cling to brick and stone walls
and can damage mortar.
* Easy to grow.
* Requires pruning to keep in bounds.
* Serious pests include leafspot and spider mites.
* Not suitable for covering walls with a southern
exposure due to summer heat and winter sun.
* If exposed to full sun or sweeping winds, the
foliage becomes discolored in the winter.
Consult local sources, including historic or public
gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related
species that grow well in your area.
Cultivars of HEDERA HELIX:
* `Baltica' is a hardy form with small leaves.
* `Bulgaria' is one of the hardiest forms.
* `Hebron' is another hardy form.
* `Glacier' has leaves variegated gray and green,
with pink and white margins.
* Ivy is a wonderful broadleaf evergreen for
shady locations.
* Many cutleaf and variegated cultivars exist.
* Mature growth develops on very old vines, high
up in trees or on buildings. The adult foliage
is not lobed. Adult plants also develop small
green flowers which are followed by 1/4-inch,
blue-black fruit.
This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the
Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg
Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content
Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.