Ivy

English Ivy

Hedera Helix; English Ivy; Common Ivy; European Ivy.

• 
  Most light conditions
• 
  Almost unkillable
• 
  Evergreen

• Ivy likes...
  • 
    Regular watering

    She likes her soil gently moist, but not soggy. Water her when her top two inches of soil are dry.

  • 
    Most light conditions

    She could not be more easygoing when it comes to light. She’ll cope in almost anything but loves bright, indirect light.

  • 
    Humidity

    She’s used to lots of rain - well, she is English - so she likes a moist atmosphere. Mist her every couple of days.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Hedera helix

  Nickname

  English ivy; Common ivy; European ivy

  Plant type

  Evergreen climber

  Air purifying

  Yes

  Plant height (including pot)

  20-30cm, 90-100cm

  Pet/baby safe

  Toxic if ingested

  Nursery pot size

  13cm, 24cm

• About English ivy

  For more care advice about Ivy, check out our complete guide to ivy care.

  There can hardly be a person in the UK who isn’t familiar with this plant. It grows up buildings, trees and anything else it can get its rootlets on. Although it’s known as English ivy, this climbing plant grows in all sorts of countries, including Portugal, Turkey and even Iran. 

  In the wild, it’s a vital source of food to birds and insects. Over 70 species of insect sip nectar from its flowers and many different types of bird feast on its fruit.

  More commonly an outdoor plant, it makes a lovely, gently trailing indoor pot plant. It thrives in any light conditions, so it’s suitable for any home. It’s a fast grower, so don’t be afraid to cut it back if it gets out of control. It won’t mind a bit. If you want to help it grow, give it a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer.

  If you’d like a variegated version of this plant, check out Effy.

  Did you know?

  English ivy leaf extract is used in cough syrups. Please note ivy is poisonous and should not be eaten, for coughs or otherwise.