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Hedera helix (common ivy)

At Heijnen Plants, we take pride in offering the venerable Hedera helix, known widely as the common ivy or English ivy. This classic species, with its lush, evergreen foliage, is a staple in gardens across Europe and Western Asia. Despite common beliefs, the Hedera helix does produce flowers, though they are often small and inconspicuous, with a subtle beauty that complements its verdant leaves. Ideal for creating a natural tapestry over walls or as ground cover, the common ivy is a versatile and low-maintenance choice for both novice and expert gardeners seeking to add a touch of timeless elegance to their outdoor spaces.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Twice a year

Growth rate
50-70cm a year

Visual barrier
Quickly obscuring

Position
Shade, partial shade, sun

Maintenance
Low maintenance

2+ £6.35

50+ £6.00

100+ £5.85

200+ £5.70

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
80-100

Planting distance per meter
5

2+ £9.65

50+ £9.15

100+ £8.90

200+ £8.65

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
100-125

Planting distance per meter
5

2+ £10.60

50+ £10.05

100+ £9.80

200+ £9.55

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
125-150

Planting distance per meter
5

2+ £13.55

25+ £12.85

50+ £12.50

100+ £12.20

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
150-175

Planting distance per meter
5

12.20

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £15.65

25+ £14.85

50+ £14.45

100+ £14.05

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
175-200

Planting distance per meter
5

14.05

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

Hedera helix (common ivy)

The Hedera helix, more widely known as the common English ivy, is a versatile and hardy evergreen that can be used as a decorative hedge or ground cover. Its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions and locales across Europe and Western Asia has made it a mainstay in many gardens.

With its lush green foliage throughout the year, Hedera helix adds a touch of timeless elegance to any landscape. It is particularly adept at creating a quickly obscuring screen, making it a perfect choice for those seeking both beauty and privacy.

Key Features

The common ivy is celebrated for its robust growth, with an impressive rate of 50-70 centimeters each year, and its ability to withstand cold temperatures down to -20.6°C, as evidenced by its USDA zone 6a winter hardiness rating.

Hedera helix does not flower, but its dense, evergreen foliage provides year-round greenery, maintaining its visual impact even in the colder months. Furthermore, its drought resistance ensures that it remains verdant even during drier periods. This ivy can climb and cover structures, or spread across the ground, offering a dynamic aspect to its use in landscaping.

Tips

Ensure that Hedera helix is planted in well-drained soil; it is not discerning about soil type but does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
While it is drought-resistant, during extended dry spells, occasional watering will help the ivy to remain lush.
Pruning can be done twice a year to shape the ivy or control its spread; however, it is generally low-maintenance.
To propagate Hedera helix, take semi-ripe cuttings and plant them in soil, allowing them to develop a root system before transplanting them to their final location.

With these simple care tips, Hedera helix will be a long-lasting and attractive addition to your garden.

Ideal placement of a Hedera helix

For optimal growth, ivy Hedera helix demonstrates remarkable adaptability, flourishing in a range of light conditions from full sun to deep shade. This versatile plant maintains its lush green foliage throughout the seasons, establishing itself effectively in all well-drained soil types. Its robust nature ensures that it can adapt to various environments, making it an excellent choice for creating a dense hedge or an attractive ground cover across different garden aspects. To cultivate a thriving display, position the ivy where it can benefit from some natural light while being mindful of its vigorous growth habit.

Planting a Hedera helix

For robust establishment, planting Hedera helix, ideally, should occur in well-drained soil, accommodating the plant's adaptability to various soil types. This versatile species thrives in an array of light conditions, from full shade to sun. Upon planting, ensure the root system, nurtured in pots, is well-situated within the soil to promote vigorous growth. With a rapid growth rate of 50-70 cm annually, this evergreen will swiftly achieve visual density, serving excellently as a hedge or ground cover. In regions experiencing winter temperatures as low as -20.6°C, it demonstrates remarkable hardiness, aligning with USDA zone 6a standards.

Pruning a Hedera helix

Hedera helix, with its robust growth rate of 50-70 cm per year, benefits from biannual pruning to maintain shape and manage size. Trim this evergreen during late winter or after the first flush of growth in spring, ensuring it adheres to desired dimensions and does not encroach upon structures or other plantings. While it naturally maintains a dense foliage year-round, strategic pruning can encourage a fuller, healthier growth pattern and prevent overgrowth. Despite its vigorous nature, the ivy responds well to pruning, enhancing its utility as a hedge or ground cover.

Watering a Hedera helix

Watering this species should be done judiciously, as it is quite drought-resistant. It's robust enough to withstand periods of dryness, thanks to its resilience and evergreen foliage that retains moisture. During the establishment phase, ensure the soil remains consistently moist to encourage strong root growth. Once established, the plant's water needs are minimal, and natural rainfall will often suffice. In extremely dry conditions, occasional watering may be necessary to maintain vigor. Overwatering can be detrimental, so it's critical to allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions.

Fertilising a Hedera helix

To ensure vigorous growth and lush foliage, fertilizing Hedera helix is recommended during the growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to kickstart the growth after the winter dormancy. A second application can be made in late summer to sustain its vigorous climbing and ground-covering habits.

Due to its resilient nature, this species does not require heavy feeding, but consistent light applications will help maintain its vibrant green foliage throughout the seasons. When applying fertilizer, be cautious to distribute it evenly around the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the leaves and stems to prevent any potential damage. By adhering to these simple guidelines, English ivy will continue to thrive, providing a robust evergreen presence in any garden setting.

The characteristics of a Hedera helix

The Hedera helix is renowned for its versatility and adaptability, thriving equally well indoors as a houseplant or outdoors as a robust climber. Its dense foliage provides year-round greenery and can be an excellent way to add texture to vertical spaces. When grown in a pot, this species allows for easy control over its spread, making it suitable for small gardens or balconies. Additionally, its leaves can vary in shape, creating visual interest throughout its growth.

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