English ivy (Hedera helix) is an evergreen perennial plant. It is also known as a woody vine. It is usually planted on the ground but can climb up to 80 feet in height. This plant has light green colored blooms. It is grown for its green elegant leaves. Hence it can be classified as a foliage plant. English ivy, common ivy, just ivy, Hedera helix, and European ivy are species of flowering ivy in the Arliaceae family. Mostly found in Europe and Western Asia.
It is commonly found in gardens, clearings, and forests, where it climbs common walls, fences, tree trunks, etc. English ivy grows up the walls causing the entire wall to be covered with green leaves, which become a center of attraction for plant lovers. Ivy has gained popularity as an ornamental plant. Ivy is growing invasively in many parts of the world. It can be expanded on the walls as decoration, it maintains the temperature in the house, and the natural leaves of this plant keep the house cool in summer and warm in winter. It has conical and thick leafy leaves.
Content summary:
- What is English Ivy ?
- Other names of English Ivy
- History of English Ivy
- How to Planting ?
- Growing English Ivy at Home?
- how to Care ?
- Types of English Ivy
- Benefits of English Ivy
- Protect Against Pests and Disease
- Most Interesting Facts
- Related Questions
History
English ivy is native to western Asia, Europe, and North Africa. This plant, commonly found in the Caucasus Mountains of Asia, was first discovered around 1720. When the colonists went to North America in 1800, they brought this plant for cultivation. This plant is recognized and planted as a “low-maintenance” groundcover in America. It was founded in Virginia in 1800. In the United States, ivy is cultivated because it is used mainly as an ornamental. Ivy acts as a weed in the ecosystem.
English Ivy Overview
- Botanical Name: Hedera helix
- Common Name: English ivy, European ivy, common ivy
- Family: Araliaceae
- Plant Type: Evergreen climbing vine, perennial,
- Bloom Time: Fall
- Soil Type: Fertile and moist
- Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
- Sun Exposure: Part shade and full shade
- Height: 6 to 9 m
- Width: 4.5 m
- Propagation: Stem Cuttings
- Plant Flowers Color: Greenish-white, greenish-yellow
- Special features: It may help to purify the air.
- Native Area: Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, North Africa
Types of English Ivy
Irish Ivy (Hedera hibernica)
Irish ivy leaves are small and bright green. Better if you use Irish ivy to cover the wall than a green carpet. Irish ivy is also known as “Atlantic ivy.” This plant can grow up to 10 stories tall. This plant is found in areas of Europe. Irish ivy is used to prevent soil erosion and to decorate walls.
- Native Area: Europe
- Height: 32 feet
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Persian Ivy (Hedera colchica)
Persian ivy has oval-shaped leaves, 8 to 17 cm wide and up to 25 cm long. Three varieties of Persian ivy include ‘Dentata,’ ‘Dentata Variegata’, and ‘Sulphur Heart.’ If you want large yellow spots on green leaves, use the Hedera colchica ‘Sulfur Heart’ plant. It is also used for ground cover on walls.
- Native Area: Western Caucasus, northern Turkey
- Height: 30 feet
- USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 9
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
Needlepoint Ivy
Needlepoint gets its name from the shape of its elegant leaves, which have three lobes that are thin and long. These leaves are different and elegant from other leaves, which become a center of attraction for those who are interested in plants. These plants are planted for ground cover, wall, or fence decoration. It looks beautiful in small baskets.
- Botanical Name: Hedera helix ‘Needlepoint’
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting soil
- Sun Exposure: Bright, full shade
- Soil pH: 6.0 to 6.5
Himalayan Ivy
Himalayan ivy is diamond-like, known in Nepal as Nepali ivy (Hedera napalensis). This plant is planted outside the house where there is a shaded area. It needs shade and partial light to grow. It is used as ground cover. Acidic soil is best for Himalayan ivy. it survives best if the pH scale of this soil is around 6.5. Himalayan ivy is known for its yellow flower blooms.
- Botanical Name: Hedera ‘Nepalensis’
- Soil Type: Standard potting soil
- Sun Exposure: Bright, some shade
- Soil pH: 5.0 to 8.0
Name of other English Ivy Types: Adam Ivy, Buttercup, Asterisk, Iva Lace, Gold Child, Aloma Ivy, Angel Snow Ivy, Bettina Ivy, Big Shot Ivy, Chicago Ivy, Curly Locks Ivy, Florida Ivy, Fluffy Ruffles Ivy, Francis Ivy, Manda’s Crested Ivy, Shamrock Ivy, Dark Pittsburgh Ivy, Gold Baby Ivy
How to Grow English Ivy Plant
English ivy plant can grow in Indian climate. It makes the home garden green and beautiful. You can use a basket or a garden to grow this plant. The first requirement for growing this plant is bright light. Without sufficient light, its growth rate slows down, and it loses its color diversity. Light from a north-facing window is best, while direct summer light from a south-facing window can burn its leaves. This plant also needs water, which should be given regularly. This plant prefers a relaxed and humid environment around 60 (F). In many places, this plant is considered an invasive weed.
How to Care English Ivy Plant
English ivy usually grows indoors or outdoors in moderate to bright light. If you have a spot that gets some sunlight, grow it there. Fertilize every two months to keep the soil healthy. English ivy needs moderate water. The ground of these plants should not dry out. They need average moisture and too much water will damage their roots. English ivy should be watered as required for its growth. Too much light on this plant will turn its leaves from green to brown.
Light
English ivy needs partial light, so if you grow this plant indoors, it needs bright light and more summer light in the midday sun outside. Since English ivy has a high ability to grow in the shade, it can be planted in the ground in the shadow of trees, where most grasses do not grow, and it prevents weeds from moving into your garden. The best light indoors comes from north and east-facing windows, so these windows are the best places to grow it.
Soil
This succulent and evergreen ivy plant prefers well-drained and well-drained soil. It also thrives in soil with good pH levels. Indoor ivy works best in a potting mix. A mixture of garden soil, vermicompost, and coco peat is best for growing this plant.
Watering
Determine the moisture level before watering English ivy. Ivy prefers dry soil with moderate moisture. Let the top of the ground dry before watering again. Indoor or outdoor ivy generally prefers moist soil. Ensure your plant has good drainage. Otherwise, overwatering will cause the plant to dry out. Give new water after all the water has been used by the plant.
Fertilizer
If plants are stunted, use a 20-20-20 fertilizer (or 2-2-2 organic formula) twice weekly. No fertilizer or food is needed if the plant is growing stressed. Use a regular houseplant fertilizer for your ivy. They are using a high-quality fertilizer like Ugaoo Plant Tonic or NPK. Dilute this fertilizer with water as per the instructions and apply it directly to the roots once in 15 days.
Temperature and Humidity
English ivy plants need temperatures between 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit to grow best. When grown in a stable temperature and moderate humidity, its leaves will be dark green in color. It can tolerate the cold wind of winter but not like the heat of summer. In some areas, ivy species are kept out of potted plants over winter, allowing new plants to grow the stem in spring.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to keep this ground cover plant neat and healthy in the garden. For pruning, you can use a sharp cutting tool that will not damage the plant too much. We can cut this plant cleanly and give it the shape we want. Annual pruning rejuvenates the plant and increases growth. If English ivy is climbing the tree, be careful when removing it. These vines damage the bark of the tree. So it is removed from the base of the tree itself.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Common pests of English ivy include mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, which you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to keep off the plant. Symptoms of bacterial infection are most common on English ivy, which can be seen as black spots or blotches on the leaves. The best solution is to remove plants affected by this disease, so that other remaining plants can be protected by spraying neem oil.
How to Planting English Ivy
Take a seven-inch cutting from an English ivy plant. You can use sharp scissors to take this cutting. Now put this cut piece in a container filled with water and keep it for two-four days so that roots will develop from it. Now take a container with fertile soil and add other nutrients to it. Plant this new plant in it and water it regularly.
Question
What are the benefits of English ivy?
English ivy has respiratory (breathing) problems, air purification, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Why is ivy poisonous?
Ivy contains natural chemicals called saponins as well as polyacetylene compounds. These chemicals are toxic to dogs. Most of the poison is contained in the ivy leaves.
What happens if I eat English ivy?
If we eat English ivy, we get a rash or irritation on the skin, minor symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
What is the price of English ivy in India?
An English ivy sapling costs Rs-99 in India.
