Common ivy
Hedera helix · Araliaceae
📷 AnRo0002 · CC0
⚠️ Lierre : saponines et polyacétylènes. Chiens/chats : irritation buccale, vomissements, diarrhée. Humains enfants : dermite de contact, irritation par ingestion de feuilles.
The gardener's calendar
Common ivy is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- September to October
- Adult height
- Up to 10 meters
- Form
- Climbing
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-15°C)
- Origin
- Europe, Western Asia and North Africa
- Toxicity
- Toxic to pets
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Ivy grows very slowly in the first year, then spreads aggressively from the second year onwards. Guide it onto rough surfaces (wall, trellis) from the start: it doesn't stick to smooth surfaces.
The common mistake
Thinking ivy grows fast right after planting: impatient gardeners rip it out after one year.
The pro's trick
Plant preferably facing north or west (no direct sun for 6+ hours/day): ivy in full south-facing sun dries out and yellows.
Care
Watering
Ivy tolerates drought well once established. Water regularly after planting, then space out watering. In containers, keep the substrate slightly moist without excess. During prolonged dry periods, weekly watering is sufficient.
Light and Exposure
Ivy adapts well to partial shade to dappled light. It also tolerates full shade, though growth is more vigorous in indirect light. Avoid direct, intense sunlight in Mediterranean regions, which can dry out the foliage.
Pruning and Training
Prune ivy in spring or autumn to control its growth and direct it along supports. Remove dead or damaged branches. Regular pruning promotes dense, branching growth, but the plant develops naturally without intervention.
Soil and Planting
Ivy accepts most soil types, from chalky to very acidic. Well-draining soil is preferable to prevent root rot. Enrich the planting hole with compost. It will also tolerate poor soils once established.
Fertilizing
Ivy is not very demanding. Light application of organic fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which would weaken hardiness. In containers, balanced diluted fertilizer every two months during the growing season is enough.
Pests and Diseases
Ivy is generally very resistant. Watch for spider mites indoors in warm weather. Powdery mildew can appear with stagnant humidity combined with poor air circulation. Good ventilation and moderate humidity prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Ivy has been revered since antiquity: it was dedicated to Bacchus, the god of wine, and symbolized loyalty and eternity. Its black berries feed many migratory birds in autumn, making it a valuable plant for biodiversity, though it is toxic to domestic animals.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Japanese angelica treeAralia elata
- Persian ivyHedera colchica
- Japanese araliaFatsia japonica
- Cabbage treeCussonia spicata
- Fatsia polycarpaFatsia polycarpa
- Algerian ivyHedera algeriensis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.