Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
12/16/04
Contacts:
Linda Naeve, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-2710, lnaeve@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Reiman's Pick for the week of Dec. 13, 2004
English Ivy is at Home Indoors and Outdoors
Linda Naeve
Extension Coordinator
Reiman Gardens
Iowa State University
Few perennials grow well as houseplants due to low light levels and the lack of seasonal temperature changes. English ivy, however, adapts to a wide range of growing conditions and has many uses in the landscape and as indoor décor.
Early colonists brought English ivy, Hedera helix, to this country. It has naturalized in some parts of the United States and is even considered an invasive species. English ivy is an evergreen perennial that is hardy to Iowa and in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 10. As a ground cover, it will grow close to the ground and quickly fill bare areas and steep slopes. In contrast, when trained on a trellis, wall or fence it will grow several feet tall.
English ivy grows best in protected areas where it receives partial shade to full sun. It is drought tolerant and adaptable to most soil types. Indoors, English ivy should be grown in well-drained potting soil and placed where it will receive moderate to bright light.
There are nearly 100 named varieties of English ivy with variations of glossy, lobed, round, heart-shaped, wavy, or variegated leaves. It is widely used for topiaries because it grows quickly, the small aerial roots on the stems readily grow into the topiary's sphagnum moss forms, and the vines can be easily wound around wire frames.
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Editors: A color photo, suitable for publication, is available at right. Click on the thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. The picture's fullsize photo is 436K. Caption: English Ivy can be grown on sphere-shaped forms to create a holiday "kissing ball." |
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