Hedera Helix

The Common Ivy is an ideal fast growing evergreen climber for screening walls or fences. These lovely specimens prefer full sun or partial shade and will grow really well in a shaded site, so Hedera Helix a good choice for north facing walls.

Hedera Helix, or common ivy, is a versatile and easily grown evergreen vine which has a multitude of uses in the garden. Recognized by the RHS as a Perfect for Pollinator plant, it is valuable not just as an ornamental climber but also as a food source for wildlife.

Native to the British Isles and most of Europe, Hedera Helix has been cultivated for centuries. It has long been associated with Christmas and with the ancient religions - the Roman god Bacchus wore an ivy wreath, and it was a sacred plant for the Druids. The evergreen leaves of Hedera Helix are medium to dark green, with 3 lobes. A mature ivy plant will produce green flowers late in the year, followed by black berries which are eaten by birds through the winter months. The flowers themselves are a valuable late-season source of nectar for bees.

Hardy in most parts of the UK, even in severe winters, a Hedera Helix vine can grow to a mature height of 10 metres in 5 to 10 years. Common ivy can be pruned at any time of the year, and cutting in the Christmas season is often done for indoor decorations.

Hedera Helix will grow in any soil type, but will do best in humus-rich alkaline soil. Plant in full sun or partial shade in an exposed or sheltered position. It will also grow in shade. Tolerant of salt and pollution, it is a good choice for planting both in the city and in coastal regions. In the country, however, it is a favourite winter food for deer and so needs some protection. Some people may suffer from an allergic reaction such as a rash to the sap, so some care should be taken in handing it.

Common ivy is the classic plant for clothing a wall or side of a house in its evergreen foliage. Grown up a trellis, it creates a year-round privacy screen for a patio or roof terrace. It also makes an excellent groundcover for a difficult slope.

Hedera Helix has a long tradition of cultivation in the UK and throughout Europe, and with good reason - its evergreen foliage and vigorous growth makes it a versatile addition to your garden!

At Paramount Plants we have a full range of climbers available both evergreen, flowering and deciduous, all are for sale in our North London garden centre and to buy online with UK wide delivery.