How to Grow Common Ivy
Hedera helix
Common ivy is a tough, fully hardy evergreen climber or ground cover that thrives in almost any soil and aspect, including deep shade. It climbs by aerial roots to 20-30m, or spreads as dense ground cover 30cm high. Once established it needs virtually no care beyond controlling its spread. Cut back from windows, gutters, and rooflines annually, and keep off old walls with soft lime mortar. Excellent for wildlife, providing late nectar and winter berries.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Rarely needs feeding. A light application of balanced fertiliser in spring is sufficient for plants in poor soil. Established ivy in garden soil needs no supplemental feeding.
Watch For
- Ivy can damage old lime mortar on walls; keep off heritage brickwork
- Hedera leaf spot (dark patches on leaves in wet conditions)
- Scale insects on stems in sheltered positions
- Can smother other plants if not controlled
Companions
Holly, Ferns, Periwinkle, Cyclamen
Pet Safety
Care Requirements
Light
Any aspect including deep shade
Thrives in full sun to deep shade. One of the few climbers that performs well on north-facing walls. Variegated forms colour better with some light.
Watering
None once established
Extremely drought-tolerant once established. Only newly planted ivy needs watering in its first summer to help roots establish.
Fertilizing
Rarely needed
Established ivy in garden soil needs no feeding. A light balanced fertiliser in spring helps plants in very poor or thin soil.
Pruning
Annual hard cut to control spread
Cut back from windows, gutters, and rooflines in spring. Can be cut to the ground if overgrown and will regrow vigorously. Remove from areas where spread is unwanted.
Spacing
30-45 cm for ground cover
Space 30-45 cm apart for ground cover. A single plant will eventually cover a large wall or fence. For quick coverage, plant 3 per metre.
Support
Self-clinging; no support needed
Climbs by aerial roots and needs no trellis or wires. Will attach to any rough surface including brick, stone, wood, and tree bark.
Growing Tips
Control spread annually
Cut back from windows, gutters, rooflines, and neighbour boundaries at least once a year (spring is ideal). Ivy grows relentlessly and is far easier to manage with one annual hard prune than repeated small trims.
Keep off old lime mortar
Ivy aerial roots can penetrate and damage soft lime mortar on old walls. On modern cement-pointed walls and sound brickwork it is harmless and even protective. Check your mortar before planting against a wall.
Excellent wildlife plant
Ivy flowers in autumn provide late nectar for bees and hoverflies when little else is flowering. Berries ripen in spring feeding birds. Dense growth offers nesting sites and overwintering shelter for insects.
