English Ivy

Fact about English Ivy Plants By David Beaulieu

English Ivy Plants in History:

In the Christmas carol, "The Holly and The Ivy," we see a symbolism with these two evergreen plants that derives from pagan times. While the druids thought of holly as masculine and suggestive of a male deity, English ivy plants for them represented female divinity.

Uses for English Ivy Plants in Landscape Design:

Their ability to grow in shade has made English ivy plants a traditional groundcover for problematic areas under trees, where most grasses do not grow well. Their vigorous, dense grow habit makes them an effective groundcover where the object is to crowd out weeds. On slopes, they can be used for erosion control. Some take advantage of the climbing ability of these vines to use them to cover a wall, while others grow them in hanging baskets, letting them cascade over the sides.

Characteristics of English Ivy Plants:

English ivy plants can act as groundcovers, spreading horizontally and reaching 8" in height. But they are also climbers, due to their aerial rootlets, which allow them to climb to heights of 50' or more. They will eventually bear insignificant greenish flowers but are grown primarily for their evergreen foliage.

Care for English Ivy Plants:

Trim them in the spring, to keep them manageable and discourage bacterial leaf spot. Spray with insecticidal soap and horticultural oil as necessary to control mites.

Sun and Soil Requirements for English Ivy Plants:

Grow in a well-drained soil in part shade to full shade.