English ivy features dark, almost black-green star-shaped foliage densely packed along ground-hugging vines.  In some cultivars the veins are lighter green and show up prettily against the contrasting leaf background.  English ivy can scale buildings and tree trunks. Where it grows high, the vines may suddenly change into a bushy form; this adult form produces rounded leaves, flowers, and berries.

Though English ivy is rugged and attractive, it has several drawbacks.  Being a vine, ivy tends to leave the ground and climb walls and trees, as well as wind its way into shrubs, where it becomes a problem to contend with.  A little climbing ivy on a tree trunk looks pretty, but once it starts dangling from the branches, its weight can topple a tree.  It can also shade the tree’s foliage, cutting of photosynthesis and in effect starving the tree.

English ivy spreads even faster than pachysandra.  In fact, it spreads much too fast to be used in small, tidy gardens, unless you are prepared to clip it back regularly.  But in large gardens or on spacious banks, English ivy makes a good low-maintenance groundcover.

The variegated and needle-leaf cultivars of English ivy grow less aggressively than the species and make beautiful, well-behaved groundcovers.  Use white or golden-edged types to liven up shady corners, especially where the vines can trail over a wall or wind up a sturdy tree trunk.  Needle-leaf cultivars display well espaliered against a wall or fence, but keep in mind that the vine’s sticky suction cups can damage the surface.  Listed below is a planting and coverage guide to use when mass planting English ivy.

Tips for Planting

English Ivy

Remove existing sod, grass, weeds, etc.

Rototill or spade area to a depth of 8”.

Add Canadian Peat Moss 2” thick over entire area (1 cu. ft. of peat will cover 12 sq. ft. of ground area at 2” thick).

Add Perlite 1” thick over entire area (1 cu. ft. Perlite covers 12 sq. ft. at 1” thick).

Rototill or spade into soil until uniformly mixed.

Rake area until even as possible.

Position plants to desired coverage and plant.  (Spacing and coverage guide below).

Plant potted plants with 1/2” of soil level above ground level and rooted cuttings so that top roots are ground level to allow for mulching.

We suggest using a pre-emergent annual weed and grass control.

Mulch with 1 1/2” Right Dress, hardwood bark, or other suitable mulch.

Keep area moist during the first growing season, to fully establish plants before winter.

Feed with Dragon Plant Starter during the first growing season.

Feed established plantings with an appropriate dry granular fertilizer such as Holly Tone, or liquid ‘touch up’ fertilizer as a Miracid.

Coverage and Spacing Guide

12” on center = 1 plant per sq. ft.
8” on center = 2 plants per sq. ft.
6” on center = 4 plants per sq. ft.