Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing
Position in border:
Back

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

English ivy, Hedera helix, has many uses all round the garden. It can be used to cover shady walls and trained to climb up or spread out along a low wall. Being evergreen, Hedera helix is perfect for covering pergola poles, or creating a leafy backdrop beneath clematis and climbing roses.

Use young plants to spill around the outsides of containers and winter hanging baskets. Hedera helix can be trimmed into shape at any time of year. It's a valuable wildlife plant, providing a late source of nectar and pollen for insects, and berries for birds in winter. Be careful when handling it if you have sensitive skin as its sap can be irritating.

On the forum: discuss growing ivy and other garden plants with our friendly online community of gardeners

Plant calendar

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Hedera and wildlife

Hedera is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, has seeds for birds and makes a good wildlife hedge.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Hedera poisonous?

Hedera can be toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract Horses
Horses
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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