English Ivy — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Hedera helix |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 30–60 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 10–18.3 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 60–120 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature height (cm) | 10.2–25.4 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 45.7–152.4 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–9 |
| Light | Shade |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Cutting |
Growing directions
Plant cuttings in moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade; English ivy is the classic, most widely used shade groundcover in temperate gardens — the glossy, lobed, evergreen leaves in many different sizes and variegations (solid green, silver-variegated, gold-variegated, small-leaved, large-leaved) create a dense, weed-suppressing carpet under trees. It climbs structures by aerial rootlets and has been used for centuries to cover buildings, walls, and slopes. However, English ivy is invasive in many parts of the United States east of the Rockies, smothering native understory plants and climbing trees — where naturalized, it can eventually kill large trees by girdling. Plant only in maintained, contained situations and remove regularly from any areas where it might spread to natural woodland. In zone 9a summer heat and humidity can reduce vigor; the heat-tolerant 'Needlepoint' and small-leaved varieties perform better in the Gulf South.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0