Source: Wikimedia Commons
English Ivy
BeginnerHedera helix
An evergreen vine that climbs walls and trees with aerial roots. There are a great many cultivars with different leaf shapes and variegation; it is a staple trailing plant but is toxic to dogs and cats.
About
English ivy (Hedera helix) is an evergreen vine in the ivy family (Araliaceae), native from Europe and Scandinavia east to Russia; in Japan it is widely known simply as 'ivy'. It grows in two stages. In the juvenile stage it climbs walls and trees with aerial roots, producing glossy green leaves. In the adult stage the stems stop climbing and become shrubby, bearing clusters of greenish-white flowers in autumn followed by toxic blue-black berries. Some cultivars, such as 'Arborescens', are non-vining shrubs about 90 cm tall. There are a great many cultivars with different leaf shapes and variegation, such as 'Glacier' (grey-green leaves with creamy white margins), 'Goldchild' (grey-green leaves edged bright gold) and the yellow-leaved 'Buttercup'. It is very hardy and can overwinter outdoors, but in North America it is a problem invasive plant that smothers and kills forest trees. Planted outdoors it creeps into walls and gutters, so growing it in pots or containers is safer. In Japan many named cultivars are sold, and some are registered varieties under the Plant Variety Protection and Seed Act.
Size of the English Ivy
The English Ivy grows to Outdoors it can climb 6-24 m or more; in pots, trim the vines to size.
Basic Info
Origin
Europe and Scandinavia east to Russia
Lifespan
Perennial (evergreen vine)
Size
Outdoors it can climb 6-24 m or more; in pots, trim the vines to size
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Light houseplant feed in the growing season
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Adapts to anything from full sun to deep shade. Indoors, a bright position gives the fullest growth.
Watering
Water when the surface dries. Soggy soil leads to root and stem rot.
Temperature & Overwintering
Very hardy and able to overwinter outdoors; winter care indoors is also easy.
Soil & Repotting
Use a well-drained mix. Planted in the ground it can spread into walls, gutters and nearby trees and become impossible to remove, so pots or containers are safer.
Propagation
Easily propagated from vine cuttings. Some named cultivars are registered varieties, so check registration status before propagating for sale or transfer.
Pests & Cautions
Watch for aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, scale, leaf spots and powdery mildew. Saponins in the foliage cause vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling and diarrhoea if eaten by dogs or cats. The sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves when pruning.
English Ivy FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for English Ivy?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does English Ivy get?
The mature size of English Ivy is Outdoors it can climb 6-24 m or more; in pots, trim the vines to size. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize English Ivy?
English Ivy: watering & fertilizer — Light houseplant feed in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for English Ivy?
The price of English Ivy varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Not a designated invasive alien species in Japan, nor a nationally rare species under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species. The species itself is not subject to registration, but Japan's plant variety database lists 42 Hedera applications and registrations, including cultivars with rights still in force such as 'Shirayukihime' (No. 13520) and 'Moonlight' (No. 19687). Check registration status before propagating named cultivars for sale or transfer. It is treated as invasive in North America but is not a designated invasive alien species in Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: List of Invasive Alien Species / MAFF Plant Variety Registration Database
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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