8 Types of Ivy and What They Mean for Your Home

With the current situation in the UK and across many countries in the world, we are stuck at home with an endless list of things we want to learn or tasks we want to complete. You may be fortunate enough to have a garden, and even more fortunate (or unfortunate depending on your situation) to have some beautiful Ivy on or around your property. But did you know there are lots of different Ivy types? Here’s a few summarised.

Algerian Ivy

Also known Hedera Algeriensis, North African or the Canary Island Ivy. It’s leaves are dark and glossy, lobed in shape and their stems have a red tint. This ivy thrives in moist soil but also enjoys direct sun light, meaning it only really grows in humid climates. There, it grows rapidly and makes gorgeous foliage, most commonly in a hanging basket.

English Ivy

A.K.A Hedera Helix, this type of Ivy has two guises. Young English Ivy is lobed, dark green and without flowers. However, a mature adult is un-lobed and their stems have small white flowers in autumn which turn a beautiful orange in Spring. They often also produce berries. They love shade and are very low maintenance. Perfect in a hanging basket and a cover for walls.

Irish Ivy

Some refer to this as Hedera Hibernica, this Ivy is very similar to its English counterpart. People often get them confused! For homeowners, this can be an excellent, low maintenance option. However, it’s sometimes considered invasive in more common areas.

Ivalace

Small but mighty, these dark shiny leaves seldom outgrow an inch. They’re also unique to the eye with curved edges. They don’t cope well in windy climates or the cold, but do enjoy sun, shade and rain.

Goldchild

An award winning type of English Ivy, this plant has grey-green leaves with gold edges. Goldchild make excellent house plants but are also very attractive on the exterior of a property. Their leaves can grow up to three inches wide and they also climb up to three feet in height.

Gloire de Marengo

The most beautiful of the bunch (in my opinion), they sport dark green, heart shaped leaves with a creamy-white edge. Award winning, striking and perfect for walls and trellises alike. They prefer well drained soil and sunlight but can also survive in slight shade.

Japanese Ivy/Boston Ivy

From Japan and with a third name- Hedera Rhombea . This type grows up to 12 feet in height with age. It thrives in warm weather. They have patchy spots on their heart shaped, dark green leaves and a brown/purple step holding them upright. This ivy grows up walls and produces purple fruit. Great for a wall or ground cover!

Nepalese Ivy

Some call it Himalayan Ivy and it’s also known as Hedera Nepalensis. It’s favourite conditions are moist soil and partial sun and shade. They’re bright green and shaped like a diamond. These are evergreen plants and they can sometimes flower pretty yellow blooms. Their vines can grow as high as 10 feet and the same in width.