Growing Ivy Indoors and Out: Varieties, Care, and Decorative Uses

Why Ivy?

Easy, fast, evergreen, versatile. Rich loam, no stimulating manures. Roots readily in water or soil from stem cuttings.

Popular Varieties

• Hedera helix – Common ivy; many leaf forms.
• Silver/Gold variegated – Striking foliage.
• Tree (arborescent) ivy – Shrubby form.
• H. roegneriana – Large heart-shaped leaves.
• H. digitata – Palmate, dark, veined.
• H. canariensis – Giant ivy; may overwhelm small statuary.

Care Tips

Keep from frost during growth; if frozen, thaw with cold water, shade from sun. Summer outdoors boosts vigor. Water well but avoid standing water at roots.

Decorative Ideas

Hanging baskets, window trails, picture frames, topiary. Cut branches in vases or fountains for winter greenery.

Imposters

German ivy (Senecio scandens), Coliseum ivy (Linaria cymbalaria), Virginia creeper (Ampelopsis), Poison ivy (Toxicodendron)—not true ivies.