Hedera helix

Common Ivy

The Common Ivy, Hedera helix, is grown for its foliage and rapid growth. This evergreen perennial climbs walls, trees, etc and may reach upwards of 30 m. It climbs using aerial roots which cling to the surface and if it doesn’t have something to climb it will creep along the ground as a groundcover. The leaves are broad, leathery, and dark green with a glossy sheen. The green flowers in summer result in black berries in autumn. Best performance with this English Ivy is achieved when grown in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site. It is tolerant of dry periods, frost, and coastal environments. Common Ivy is used to cover large walls or fences, trained over arches or pillars, used as a groundcover, or grown in a container and allowed to trail. The foliage is often used in floral arrangements.