Garden Photo of the Day

An unusual English ivy

Michelle Gervais, Associate Editor

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Photo: Michelle Gervais

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Ever gone online and seen the selection of English ivies that are for sale these days? It's mindblowing! They come in all shapes and sizes, and in a multitude of shades. But this little ivy has fascinated me for years with its tightly stacked leaves. It's Hedera helix 'Congesta', and it grows in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-11. According to the AHS encyclopedia, it maintains a small bush habit, and is suitable for rock gardens. If you live in the Northwest, however, don't get too excited. From what I hear, planting English ivy there is like planting Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii cvs., Zones 5-8) in the Northeast. A no-no! Darned invasives.

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Comments (6)

Yeddi writes: NEVER plant any variety of English ivy where it can climb your house wall.
We have just spent a fortune trying to eradicate it from stucco and are still battling the little tendrils and tiny clinging rootlike feet.
We did not plant it and I cannot imagine what the previous owners were thinking! Posted: 12:43 pm on December 9th

sheilaschultz writes: If it were variegated then it would really be perfect! Posted: 12:28 pm on December 9th

Stoatley writes: It's invasive in the Mid Atlantic, too. I would never purchase English ivy of any ilk. Posted: 11:24 am on December 9th

Raleighgardener writes: English Ivy is considered an invasive plant in the southeast, too. It's definitely on the "do not plant" list here. When I bought this house in Raleigh, NC 24 years ago, there was no Eng. Ivy. I didn't plant it, the birds did. Now it has taken over half an acre. A LOT of work and very difficult to eliminate. And it attracts the deer who love to eat it in late winter/early spring, then they have dessert with my camellias and azaleas. Posted: 8:03 am on December 9th

Deanneart writes: Wonderful! I think I need to find this great plant. Posted: 6:57 am on December 9th

gottagarden writes: The Erie COunty Botanical Gardens in Buffalo has a winter show with an amazing variety of different ivies. Probably a hundred different types, never knew there were so many possibilities. Posted: 5:09 am on December 9th

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