what type of plant is an ivy

What is the best indoor ivy plant?

Types of Ivy Houseplants

1. Asterisk. The plant’s leaves resemble somewhat to an asterisk symbol, hence the name. ...
2. Buttercup. ‘Buttercup’ grows pale green leaves when placed in the shade and turns to a bright yellow color when exposed to sunlight.
3. Adam Ivy. ...
4. Gold Child. ...
5. Needlepoint. ...
6. Iva Lace. ...
7. Aloma Ivy. ...
8. Angel Snow Ivy. ...
9. Bettina Ivy. ...
10. Big Shot Ivy. ...

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How do you care for an indoor ivy plant?

Ivy Houseplants – Information On Caring For Ivy Plants

• About Ivy Houseplants. Ivy houseplants can actually be one of several different varieties. ...
• Growing Ivy Indoors. Growing ivy indoors isn’t difficult as long as you provide what the plant needs. The most important part of indoor ivy plant care is light.
• Indoor Ivy Plant Care. When watering your ivy, always check the soil before adding water. ...

What are the different types of ivy plants?

What Are The Different Types of Ivy?

1. English Ivy. English Ivy is the most common type of ivy and is also called the Hedera helix. ...
2. Boston Ivy. Boston Ivy is a woody vine that is very easy to grow and needs periodic pruning. ...
3. Irish Ivy. Irish Ivy is a close relative of English Ivy. ...
4. Bettina Ivy. ...
5. Himalayan Ivy. ...
6. Persian Ivy. ...
7. Algerian Ivy. ...
8. Needlepoint Ivy. ...
9. Glacier Ivy. ...
10. Swedish Ivy. ...

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How do you care for an English ivy plant?

• English ivy prefers partial sun or filtered shade, but it will grow in full shade. ...
• Ivy is an invasive plant, so pick an area where it has plenty of room to grow and will not interfere with other plants.
• Be absolutely certain you want to plant it, as it's invasive, considered a weed in many areas and not allowed in some. See Warnings below.

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What plant category is ivy?

evergreen woody vinesivy, (genus Hedera), genus of about 15 species of evergreen woody vines (rarely shrubs) in the ginseng family (Araliaceae), native to Europe and much of Asia.

What family does ivy belong to?

AraliaceaeIvy / FamilyThe Araliaceae are a family of flowering plants composed of about 43 genera and around 1500 species consisting of primarily woody plants and some herbaceous plants. Wikipedia

Is ivy a creeper plant?

Ivy is a woody stemmed, self-clinging climber that can grow quickly to cover fences, walls and buildings.

Is ivy a type of vine?

English ivy, a non-regulated Class C noxious weed, is a woody, evergreen, perennial vine often found in King County's urban and suburban forests. Vines are trailing or climbing, and can reach 90 feet long with stems 1 foot wide.

Is ivy a tree or a shrub?

Ivy is identifiable as a dense-leaved, evergreen climber. In its climbing state it has three- to five-lobed glossy leaves. Once it reaches the upper parts of a tree's canopy, ivy often produces shrubby (arboreal), mature growth which bears yellow-green flowers followed by black berries.

Is ivy poisonous to humans?

As with many common garden, house and wild plants, ivy isn't food and is mildly poisonous if eaten. If you were to eat some, you might get an upset stomach. It is toxic to cats, dogs and horses, but not birds or livestock. Children under five are most at risk from plant poisoning.

Is ivy poisonous to touch?

Touching its sap alone can cause contact or allergic contact dermatitis, which is a very itchy—and uncomfortable—rash. Contact with English ivy can also cause swelling and shortness of breath.

Is it OK to let ivy grow on your house?

Wooden Walls and Fences: Ivy can easily work its way between boards, opening the joints and damaging the structure. The roots can also penetrate small weaknesses and cracks in the wood grain, increasing the risk of rot. And, if that's not enough, ivy can harbor wood destroying insects and other pests.

What is ivy good for?

Traditional herbalists have used ivy for a wide number of complaints, including bronchitis , whooping cough, arthritis, rheumatism, and dysentery. Decoctions of the herb were applied externally against lice, scabies, and sunburn.

Is ivy toxic to dogs?

Ivy: Although a vine rather than a shrub, ivy is a common part of many landscapes. The foliage of certain types of ivy plants is dangerous to dogs, although not usually lethal. Ingestion can result in excessive salivation and drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, a swollen mouth and tongue, and difficulty breathing.

What do ivy leaves symbolize?

Symbolism. Ivy symbolises fidelity (it won't easily let go of something it's attached itself to) and eternal life (because the plant is evergreen). In ancient Egypt ivy was dedicated to Osiris, who represented immortality. In ancient Greece ivy was the plant of Dionysus because of its vigour.

Is ivy toxic to cats?

Many popular ivy plants, including English ivy and Devil's ivy/Golden Pothos, have moderate toxicity to pets. Mouth and stomach irritation, excessive drooling, foaming at the mouth, swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, vomiting, diarrhoea.

What is an ivy plant?

Ivy is a group of leafy plants that grow as vines climbing up structures or as creeping plants that provide ground cover. Ivies are fast-growing plants that grow just as well outdoors as they do indoors. You can plant many types of ivies to climb up walls, trellises, cover arbors, or any other structure in your garden.

What is the type of ivy?

Type of ivy: English ivy. The English ivy ( Hedera helix) is a flowering type of ivy that is a clinging evergreen vine and a popular plant in many countries. English ivy has broad large dark-green leaves that can grow up to 4″ (10 cm) long.

What is the goldchild ivy?

Goldchild is a popular type of English ivy that can be identified by its smaller leaves than Hedera helix but with bright yellow or gold edges. This type of variegated ivy (meaning the leaves have different colored edges) is an excellent houseplant ivy.

How big do Himalayan ivy vines get?

Each vine consists of elongated triangular leaves that can grow up to 6″ (15 cm) long. Some types of Himalayan ivy produce vines with very small leaves that can be as small as 1″ (3 cm). If you are looking for a good, hardy climbing ivy, then the Himalayan ivy is a good choice.

What is needlepoint ivy?

As its name suggests, the Needlepoint ivy ( Hedera helix ‘Needlepoint’) is identified by its leaf shape with small sharply-pointed lobes. Needlepoint ivy grows well in most types of soil in shady areas. This type of English ivy looks great in hanging baskets, small containers, or as ground cover in your garden.

How tall does Algerian ivy climb?

The Algerian ivy can climb up walls fairly quickly with its vines reaching up to 40 ft. (12 m).

How high can ivy grow?

Native to countries in Asia, the Himalayan ivy ( Hedera nepalensis) can grow at altitudes of up to 3,000 m.

Ivy facts, uses, problems, and dangers

There are many types of ivy plants, including the English ivy (Hedera helix). Ivy is a popular evergreen shrub that is known for its aggressive growth and ability to crawl on other surfaces. It is also one of the most adaptable plants, thriving in a variety of conditions.

Which ones of these ivy plants will you pick?

Devil’s ivy, Fig ivy, and German ivy are just three more ivy types you can find spread throughout the world’s biomes. Each of these ivy varieties has its own special traits that set them apart – or make them perfect for what you might want to grow.

Most Popular Different Types of Ivy Plants

Boston ivy is a type of flowering plant that’s part of the grape family, which makes it one of the plants that is technically not part of the true ivy family.

Ivy Plant FAQ

The ivy plant is a popular sight in garden features, and can even grow in pots (or be made to grow along a trellis, wall or other construction). There are a lot of resources that will tell you how difficult ivy is to grow – but the facts say ivy is one of the easiest and best plants, even for new gardeners.

What is the meaning of ivy in gardening?

Colloquially, we use the term “ivy” to describe a plethora of climbing plants – some of which are not technically ivy at all. Whether you’re a student in a greenhouse, a hobby botanist in the city park, or looking to diversify your garden, it’s important to know these definitions, distinctions, and various varieties.

Where does ivy grow?

Unless you are reading this from the Saharan desert, chances are that ivy is somewhere nearby. It grows on office buildings, homes, trees, fences, and bridges. It turns sharp concrete corners of the city into something greener, causing mischief, and is a connective plant between the mossing ground and towering canopies of the forest.

How many species of ivy are there?

There’s a lot to keep track of in the world of ivy. This ultimate guide to ivy will go into the details of 30 species and varieties in alphabetical order. We will touch on true Hedera ivies and varieties within species. We will also cover some plant species that are commonly accepted as ivies, though they are something else entirely such as Boston ivy and Swedish ivy.

Why are my ivy leaves turning green?

Ivy plants will often revert from their variegated state to their solidly green appearance in response to a lack of light in order to survive.

How tall does a ivy grow?

This ivy features rich dark green foliage and can grow up to 30 feet tall and 3 ft wide. It can thrive up to hardiness zone 5a. It is a climbing ivy with heart-shaped leaves that will remain green through the winter. Its growth pattern is dense and multi-stemmed. It will do well in the sun or partial shade.

Where does Algerian ivy grow?

Algerian ivy is also commonly known as Canary Island ivy, Canary ivy, and Madiera ivy. The botanical name for further distinction is Hedera algeriencis. Native to West Africa and surrounding islands, this evergreen perennial vine can grow in hardiness zones 7-11.

How tall does Algerian Ivy get?

Algerian Ivy prefers partial shade and may suffer in full sun. With the right growing conditions, it can reach 40 feet tall. Flowers are yellow to green, though inconspicuous. Like almost all species of ivy, this plant is toxic, so keep it well out of the reach of children or curious cats.

What type of soil does English ivy grow in?

This variant of English ivy can survive in most types of soil, from acidic to basic, but it will grow best in slightly acidic soil around 6.5 on the pH scale. Himalayan ivy is also known for its yellow flowering blooms and its bold, green leaves with white vein markings. 10 of 10.

Where does Swedish Ivy grow?

Instead, this fast-growing trailing vine is native to Australia and Africa. In addition to the green variety, variegated types of Swedish ivy feature green leaves with white margins. Display your Swedish ivy in bright, indirect light, but keep it out of the harsh sun.

What is the pH of a glacier ivy?

Soil pH: 6.1 to 6.5. Glacier ivy ( Hedera helix 'Glacier') is just one of the many types of variegated English ivy bred for indoor growing. However, it can also be planted outdoors as a ground cover, where its shades of green and cream can provide a backdrop for brightly-colored plants and flowers.

How many lobes does an English ivy have?

This type of English ivy ( Hedera helix 'Needlepoint') is named for its leaves, which have three to five lobes that have been bred to taper in long, thin points. This unique leaf shape gives it a pleasantly-open, angular texture, adding variety amongst a display with lots of other plants. It also makes for a particularly attractive trailing plant or hanging basket .

How long can an English ivy vine grow?

Left unchecked, it's a vigorous grower and climber, with vines reaching up to 100 feet long . In fact, English ivy can be so invasive that it's sometimes listed on invasive species lists—so be sure to check with your local extension office to make sure it's okay to plant this species outdoors where you live.

What is the pH of Himalayan Ivy?

Soil pH: 5.0 to 8.0. With diamond-shaped leaves emerging in three points, Himalayan ivy ( Hedera nepalensis) —also known as Nepalese ivy—is a great breed to plant outdoors or in shaded areas inside your home. This easy-growing species needs full shade or partial sun to thrive in your garden.

How tall does Persian Ivy grow?

On a vertical structure, your plant can grow up to 15 feet tall in its first five years—so if you're looking for a fast-growing ivy to cover a fence, sloping hill, or trellis, Persian ivy is a great candidate for your garden.

What is the most common type of ivy?

There are, however, many types of ivy (or Hedera with its scientific name): English ivy is the most common, with a few varieties within this species, but then you also have Irish ivy, Persian ivy, Russian ivy, Japanese ivy, Nepalese ivy, Canarian ivy, Algerian ivy and two “faux ivies” to choose from: Boston ivy and Swedish ivy.

Where does Irish Ivy come from?

A variety of Ivy that comes from the Atlantic countries of Europe, Irish Ivy has a simple and heart warming beauty.

How tall is needlepoint ivy?

Hardiness: ‘Needlepoint’ English ivy is hardy to USDA zones 6 to 10. Size: 2 to 3 feet tall (60 to 90 cm), and up to 3 feet in spread (90 cm). Sunlight exposure: partial shade or full shade. Propagation: use semi hardwood cuttings in summer to propagate it. 3.

Why are Hedera and Ivy grouped together?

These are all different species or real ivy (Hedera), but we have grouped them together because they don’t have as many cultivars as English ivy, and you will not find as many varieties of these on the market.

What is the best ivy leaf shape?

For a bolder look, ‘Needlepoint’ offers you very well divided and pointed lobes, bringing the classical ivy leaf shape to its extremes. If it is the shape of the leaf that you want to highlight in your garden, then this is arguably the best variety to have.

How to tell which ivy you have?

of ivy you are looking at is the leaf, its shape, color (s) and overall appearance.

What is the name of the tree that crawls on trees?

Creeping on trees and walls, or crawling in shady ground, ivy is associated with ruins, architecture, old buildings, follies and historical gardens.

1. English Ivy ( Hedera helix)

Also known as common ivy or European ivy, these flowering, evergreen vines feature broad, large, dark-green leaves, which may grow up to 4 inches. Native to Europe, these popular ornamental plants thrive well even in shaded conditions, receiving indirect sunlight.

2. Algerian Ivy ( Hedera algeriensis or Hedera canariensis)

As this broad-leafed ivy plant is native to North Africa and the Canary Islands, it is also called North African ivy, Canary Island ivy, Canary ivy, or Madiera ivy. Typically it has large-lobed, dark green foliage, but variegated varieties can be found too.

3. Persian Ivy ( Hedera colchica)

It is one of the fast-growing, climbing ivies; with large shiny leaves. This variety is sometimes called “Bullock’s Heart” ivy, as its leaves resemble the shape of a bull’s heart. In fact, the Persian ivy produces some of the largest leaves from any of the ivy varieties, growing between 6 to 10 inches long.

4. Irish Ivy ( Hedera hibernica)

The striking feature of this ivy is its dark green glossy leaves with light green veins. As it is an aggressive grower, it is considered invasive in some areas. So, it should always be planted outdoors and pruned regularly to check its growth. It provides ground cover or may climb up walls as well.

5. Himalayan Ivy ( Hedera nepalensis)

Also known as Nepalese ivy, this climbing vine is native to Asia, growing at altitudes of up to 3,000 m. It bears elongated dark green triangular leaves with light-colored veins.

6. Japanese Ivy ( Hedera rhombea)

Another Asia native, featuring fairly large dark green heart-shaped leaves with white veins running through them. Although this is a climber plant, it does not climb as tall as some other types of ivies. It is a flowering type of ivy, producing small umbrella-shaped blooms.

7. Cyprus ivy ( Hedera cypria)

This perennial climber grows very tall, and is also suitable for ground cover. It boasts deep green, triangle-shaped, unlobed, gray-veined foliage displayed on red stems. This slow-growing, easy-to-care variety is counted as one of the rarest types of ivy.

What is the best ivy to grow?

Best Ivy Plants to Grow. 1. Fatshedera Lizei. Also known as tree ivy, this plant is a cross between Hedera Helix and Fatsia Japonica. It features five-lobe leaves just like the English Ivy. Nonetheless, the leaves are glossier than those of a typical ivy plant and they feature yellow tips.

How tall does an ivy tree grow?

A mature ivy tree grown in a container can reach a top height of 1,5 meters. It blooms in fall but its yellow-greenish flowers are rather insignificant.

What is the most popular plant in the Cissus genus?

The most popular plant in the Cissus genus is the Grape Ivy. Despite its name, this ivy plant doesn’t produce any grapes. However, its leaves are very similar to the leaves of grapevines. This vine can grow up to 3 meters tall and almost 2 meters wide. Grape Ivy.

How does needlepoint ivy get its name?

Needlepoint Ivy. This plant gets its name from its lobed leaves that have been bred to grow in thin points. The unique leaves give it a more airy look which adds texture and variety when displayed alongside classic vine plants. It is a very hardy plant that can be grown both outdoors and indoors.

How big does Boston Ivy get?

It can damage wood, gutters, and even roofing if it is not kept under control. A mature plant can reach a top size of 15 meters. Boston Ivy prefers loamy soil with an average moisture concentration.

What is the difference between Algerian Ivy and Variegata?

The variegation has a marble-like appearance and the colours remain vibrant all year long. This ivy plant comes in two varieties: the canary cream, and the Variegata type. The Canary cream features whiter leaves, while the Variegata type has darker and more contrasting leaf shades.

What is the best climbing vine?

More commonly known as Boston Ivy, this plant is one of the best climbing vines. It can cling to almost anything. Like most ivy plants, it prefers shade or partial shade, but it can also grow in sunnier conditions. This is the type of ivy that you will generally see on campuses of prestigious universities, hence the ivy-league name. Due to the fact that it can grow on almost anything, this plant can also do some damage to its surroundings. It can damage wood, gutters, and even roofing if it is not kept under control. A mature plant can reach a top size of 15 meters.