What hardiness zones is Hedera helix suitable for?

Hedera helix is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Hedera helix?

Hedera helix requires Partial Shade.

How much water does Hedera helix need?

Hedera helix has Low water needs.

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Vines & Groundcovers

Hedera helix

English Ivy

Araliaceae

Europe, western Asia, northern Africa; invasive in Pacific Northwest and eastern North America

At a Glance

TypeVine

HabitClimbing

FoliageEvergreen

Height6–9 inches (15–23 cm) as groundcover; climbs 20–80 feet (6–25 m) on surfaces

WidthSpreads indefinitely — invasive

Maturity4 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Container Friendly

Maintenancehigh

Overview

Hedera helix is an evergreen woody vine or groundcover reaching 6–9 inches (15–23 cm) tall as a groundcover, or climbing 20–80 feet (6–25 m) on vertical surfaces. The plant exhibits two distinct growth phases: the juvenile phase (most commonly seen in gardens) has palmately 3–5-lobed leaves 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) across with prominent pale veins on a dark green background; stems produce aerial rootlets that attach to surfaces. The adult phase, reached when vines grow into full sun at height, has unlobed, diamond to ovate leaves on non-climbing woody stems; in fall, small greenish-yellow flowers appear in umbels, followed by black berries 1/3 inch (8 mm) in diameter that persist through winter. Growth rate is vigorous to aggressive. INVASIVE IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST: listed as a Class C Noxious Weed in Washington State and on the invasive plant list in Oregon; spreads from bird-dispersed seeds into natural areas where it suppresses native vegetation. Planting is discouraged in proximity to natural areas throughout the region. All plant parts are toxic if ingested; sap causes contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Native Range

Native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. Widely naturalized throughout temperate North America; invasive in the Pacific Northwest and Atlantic coastal states. Listed as a noxious weed or invasive species in Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and numerous eastern U.S. states.

Suggested Uses

If planted, use only in contained, heavily managed sites well separated from natural areas and with physical barriers to prevent spread. Effective for erosion control on steep slopes where spread can be monitored. Many jurisdictions in the Pacific Northwest discourage or prohibit new plantings. Native alternatives providing comparable groundcover function without invasive risk include Gaultheria shallon, Polystichum munitum, and Rubus pentalobus.

How to Identify

Identified by the palmately 3–5-lobed juvenile leaves 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) across with prominent pale veins on dark green, and the aerial rootlets that adhere to substrates. The juvenile lobed leaf with pale vein pattern and the climbing or creeping habit are together diagnostic. The adult phase (unlobed leaves, upright non-climbing woody branches, greenish-yellow flowers, black berries) may be encountered at the tops of established climbers. Distinguished from native woodland vines by the aerial rootlets (not twining stems), the lobed juvenile leaves with pale veins, and the aggressive year-round spreading habit.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 9"

Width/Spread2' - 40'

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Flower Colors

green

yellow

Foliage Colors

dark green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Fall

Adult-phase plants flower September through November. Small greenish-yellow flowers approximately 1/8 inch (3 mm) in small umbels; not ornamentally significant. Followed by black round berries approximately 1/3 inch (8 mm) in diameter ripening October through winter; berries are dispersed by birds — the primary mechanism of invasive spread. Toxic if ingested.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Greenish-yellow (adult phase only, inconspicuous)

Foliage Description

Juvenile: dark green with prominent pale veins, palmately 3–5-lobed; Adult: dark green, unlobed, diamond to ovate

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Shade

Partial Shade

Full Sun

Tolerates up to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsandclay

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3–5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Extremely adaptable to poor soils, deep shade, drought, and root competition. If used, plant only in contained sites well away from natural areas, trails, parks, and forest edges. Install physical rhizome barriers 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) deep at planting edges. Monitor annually and remove any seedlings or rooting stems that escape the intended area. Contact dermatitis can result from handling — wear gloves. In many Pacific Northwest communities, replacement with non-invasive native groundcovers (Gaultheria shallon, Polystichum munitum) is encouraged.

Pruning

Cut back as needed to control spread; plants can be mowed, trimmed, or cut to ground level and will regrow from roots. To remove an established planting, cut stems at the base, allow foliage to die back, then pull or grub out rooted stems; repeated treatment over 2–3 years may be required. Remove adult-phase flowering and fruiting branches promptly to prevent seed dispersal.

Pruning Schedule

early springsummerfall

Maintenance Level

high

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to humans and pets if ingested — all parts; sap causes contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals