17 Essential Types of Ivy Plants for Gardens and Indoors
From lush wall coverage to container accents, these versatile climbers elevate any space.
17 Types of Ivy Plants You Should Know
Ivy plants are celebrated for their versatility, adaptability, and ornamental beauty in gardens and indoor environments. While often recognized for rapid growth and lush coverage, different types of ivy offer unique foliage, colors, and growth habits. This guide explores 17 popular ivy species and cultivars, outlining their features, uses, and essential care tips to help you find the perfect variety for your space.
Introduction to Ivy Plants
Ivy refers to a group of climbing or trailing plants, primarily in the genus Hedera and a few related families. Common across temperate zones, many ivy varieties are evergreen, providing year-round interest and serving as effective ground covers, wall climbers, or container plants. They thrive in partial shade but can adapt to sunny locations depending on the species.
Why Grow Ivy?
- Ornamental foliage with a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors
- Air purification indoors
- Erosion control on slopes and banks
- Cover for unsightly walls, fences, and structures
- Adaptability to containers and hanging baskets
Summary Table: 17 Ivy Varieties
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Leaf Features | Best Use | Zones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| German Ivy | Delairea odorata | Bright green, soft | Ground cover | 7-10 |
| Gloire de Marengo Ivy | Hedera algeriensis ‘Gloire de Marengo’ | Mottled green, white edges | Indoors/Outdoors | 6-11 |
| Himalayan Ivy | Hedera nepalensis | Five-pointed leaves | Trellises, walls | 7-10 |
| Canary Island Ivy | Hedera canariensis | Large, glossy green | Containers, ground cover | 8-10 |
| English Ivy | Hedera helix | Lobed, dark green | Indoor/Outdoor, walls | 4-9 |
| Persian Ivy | Hedera colchica | Large, heart-shaped | Ground cover, wall climber | 6-9 |
| Ivy ‘Sulphur Heart’ | Hedera colchica ‘Sulphur Heart’ | Green, yellow variegation | Fast grower | 6-9 |
| Ivy ‘Dentata Variegata’ | Hedera colchica ‘Dentata Variegata’ | Green, cream margins | Container or ground | 6-9 |
| Irish Ivy | Hedera hibernica | Similar to English ivy | Walls, ground | 7-10 |
| Japanese Ivy | Hedera rhombea | Oval-shaped, bright green | Pots, ground cover | 6-10 |
| Algerian Ivy | Hedera algeriensis | Arrow-heart, shiny | Shade gardens | 7-11 |
| Russian Ivy | Hedera pastuchovii | Thin, tough | Rough ground | 6-9 |
| Swedish Ivy | Plectranthus australis | Rounded, shiny | Hanging baskets | 10-11 |
| Boston Ivy | Parthenocissus tricuspidata | Lobed, turns red | Walls, fences | 4-8 |
| Glacier Ivy | Hedera helix ‘Glacier’ | Silver, white variegation | Indoors | 5-9 |
| Ivy ‘Parsley Crested’ | Hedera helix ‘Parsley Crested’ | Crumpled edges | Specimen plant | 5-9 |
| Spanish Canary Ivy | Hedera maroccana | Pliable, fresh green | Conservatories | 8-10 |
Detailed Overview of 17 Ivy Varieties
1. German Ivy (Delairea odorata)
German Ivy, or Cape Ivy, is notorious for its rapid spread and ability to smother native plants, especially along the California coast. Its bright green, soft leaves form dense mats, and it climbs aggressively by rooting along rhizomes and stems. Beware: It’s toxic if ingested and challenging to eradicate once established. Despite its aggressive nature, its lush foliar carpets are visually appealing for large, wild spaces where control is manageable.
2. Gloire de Marengo Ivy (Hedera algeriensis ‘Gloire de Marengo’)
This cultivar of Algerian Ivy is distinguished by its spectacular variegated leaves: mottled dark green and grey-green centers surrounded by creamy white or yellow margins. Gloire de Marengo thrives both indoors and outdoors in zones 6-11 and is popular for dramatic foliage in containers or shade gardens.
3. Himalayan Ivy (Hedera nepalensis)
Native to the Himalayas, this ivy presents distinctive five-pointed leaves, with the central point noticeably elongated. It tolerates some drought but prefers moist soils for best color. It excels in partial shade but endures full sun when necessary, making it suitable for trellises or shady garden corners.
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4. Canary Island Ivy (Hedera canariensis)
Canary Island Ivy features sizeable, glossy, heart-shaped leaves with a waxy finish. It uses aerial roots to climb surfaces and forms dense mats, making it ideal for both ground cover and vertical gardening. It prefers well-drained soil, moderate watering, and bright, indirect light, with regular pruning to control growth. Suitable for both indoor pots and outdoor spaces in zones 8-10.
5. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
The classic English Ivy is cherished for its adaptability and varied forms, with nearly 400 different species and cultivars available. Leaf shapes range from small and spiky to large and heart-shaped, and its evergreen nature lends year-round charm. English Ivy is versatile: enjoy it as wall cover, ground cover, or an indoor plant. It thrives in zones 4-9 and can become invasive if not managed.
Notable English Ivy Subspecies and Cultivars:
- Hedera helix subsp. helix: Non-rhizomatic, native to central and northern Europe; produces purplish-black berries.
- Hedera helix poetarum: Grows in Italy, Turkey, Balkans; fruit is orange-yellow.
- Hedera helix rhizomatifera: Southeast Spain; creates rhizomes even from small cuttings; fruit is purple-black.
- ‘Green Ripple’: Deeply cut dark green leaves with rippled texture; less vigorous, ideal for pots and shade.
- ‘Carolina Crinkle’: Attractive crinkled leaves; best for indoor columns or specimen display.
- ‘Tussie Mussie’: Delicate, unique foliage suitable for glasshouses or specimen columns.
- ‘Golden Curl’: Variegated, curly foliage providing golden accent.
- ‘Parsley Crested’: Crumpled, textured edges; sought-out for its ornamental effect in containers.
- ‘Glacier’: Silver and white variegated leaves; great for indoor displays.
6. Persian Ivy (Hedera colchica)
This fast-growing, self-clinging ivy features large, leathery, heart-shaped leaves. Quick to cover walls and ground, Persian Ivy can reach up to 16 feet and needs cautious considerationâit’s vigorous and can smother other plants if left unchecked.
- ‘Sulphur Heart’: Distinct variegation with green and yellow shades; grows energetically.
- ‘Dentata Variegata’: Slower growth with strong variegation; leaves have dark green and sage centers, bordered with rich cream, suitable for pots or as a garden accent.
7. Irish Ivy (Hedera hibernica)
Similar in habit to English Ivy but possessing differently shaped leaves, Irish Ivy can be equally as vigorous and is sometimes considered invasive. Unlike English Ivy, it exhibits stronger growth around the coasts of western Europe, making it ideal for tough terrain but requiring regular discipline to control.
8. Japanese Ivy (Hedera rhombea)
This variety boasts oval or diamond-shaped leaves with a bright green hue. It adapts well to potted environments as well as ground coverage and is favored for its subtle, elegant look in Asian-style gardens. It does well in zones 6-10.
9. Russian Ivy (Hedera pastuchovii)
Tough, thin leaves make Russian Ivy suited to rough, rocky soils or challenging locales. It tolerates drought and is preferred for covering old ruins or large rocks in zones 6-9.
10. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis)
Despite its common name, Swedish Ivy isnât a true member of the Hedera genus. It shines in hanging baskets and containers, thanks to rounded shiny leaves and trailing stems. A quick grower, it thrives indoors in zones 10-11.
11. Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)
Boston Ivy is distinct from true ivies and belongs to the grape family. Best known for quickly covering walls and fences, its three-lobed leaves turn bright red in autumn. Ideal for zones 4-8, Boston Ivy is a dramatic seasonal accent to any garden.
12. Algerian Ivy (Hedera algeriensis)
Algerian Ivy features arrow-heart-shaped, shiny foliage and is ideal for shade gardens or interiors. Vigorous growth and strong stems make it particularly suited to creating living walls or filling shadowy garden pockets. Grows best in zones 7-11.
13. Spanish Canary Ivy (Hedera maroccana)
Pliable when young, Spanish Canary Ivy grows into mature, woody vines, dramatically climbing or trailing as suits its environment. This species needs frost protection outdoors but can be grown inside conservatories or warm climates. Suitable for zones 8-10.
Planting, Growing and Caring for Ivy Plants
The diversity in ivy species means care requirements can vary widely. Here are general tips for successful ivy cultivation:
- Soil: Most ivies prefer well-draining, loamy soil with moderate fertility. Variegated types often tolerate poorer soils, but Persian and English ivies thrive on compost-rich substrates.
- Light: Partial shade is best, but many (English, Canary Island, Persian) adapt to sunny or indirect light. Variegated cultivars usually need brighter exposure to maintain coloration.
- Water: Allow top inch to dry between waterings. Overwatering fosters root rot, while drought can dull foliage.
- Pruning: Regular pruning encourages fuller growth and prevents invasive spread. Check fast-growers monthly and trim unwanted shoots promptly.
- Feeding: Light feeding in spring supports lush leaves. Avoid excessive nitrogen; balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months is sufficient.
Managing Invasive Ivy
Some types, especially English, German, Irish, and Persian Ivy, are recognized as potentially invasive. To minimize spread:
- Monitor borders and remove stems crossing into unwanted areas
- Apply thick mulch around root zones to suppress sprouting
- Deadhead frequently and dispose of cuttings responsibly
- Use root barriers for aggressive climbing varieties
Uses of Ivy Plants
- Ornamental foliage: Variegated, curly, and textured cultivars brighten gardens
- Ground cover: Dense mats prevent erosion and weed growth
- Wall and fence climbers: Ivy softens hard architectural lines and adds greenery to urban spaces
- Indoor decor: Potted ivy cleans air and brings life to interiors
- Wildlife habitat: Ivy provides shelter and food for birds and insects
Comparison Table: Popular Ivy Varieties
| Variety | Distinctive Feature | Growth Rate | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| German Ivy | Rapid mat-forming | Very fast | Ground cover (watch invasiveness) |
| Gloire de Marengo | Variegated margins | Moderate | Indoor/outdoor accent |
| English Ivy | Diverse leaf shapes | Fast | Walls, containers, air purification |
| Persian Ivy | Large leaves, quick cover | Very fast | Ground/wall cover |
| Canary Island Ivy | Glossy, large foliage | Fast | Vertical greenery/containers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which ivy type is best for indoor growing?
English Ivy (Hedera helix) and Gloire de Marengo Ivy are popular for interiors due to their aesthetic leaves and adaptability to low light. Glacier Ivyâs variegated foliage is also a favorite for indoor displays.
Q: Are all types of ivy invasive?
No, not all ivies are invasive. English, German, and Persian ivy are most likely to become problematic in certain climates. Cultivated forms like ‘Dentata Variegata’ and Swedish Ivy are generally well-behaved with regular pruning.
Q: Can ivy be safely grown alongside other plants?
Yes, but monitor aggressive varieties. Place slower-growing ivy types farther from delicate bedding plants, and use root barriers where necessary.
Q: Are ivy plants toxic to pets or humans?
Many ivies, including German Ivy and English Ivy, are toxic if ingested by children and pets. Always research specific varieties before planting in spaces accessed by animals or children.
Q: How do I propagate ivy plants?
Ivy is best propagated via stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem tip, root in water or moist soil, and transplant once established. Some, like English Ivy, will root even from tiny cuttings due to their rhizomatic nature.
Conclusion
Ivy offers exceptional variety in foliage, growth habit, and utility for gardens and interiors. Explore different species to suit your aesthetic preferences and site conditions, noting their care and invasive tendencies. With thoughtful selection and management, ivy plants can add enduring structure, greenery, and air-purifying capabilities to any spaceâfrom humble containers to sprawling landscapes.
References
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