The common name “ivy” refers to several species of plants used similarly in the landscape. Common examples include members of the genus Hedera, such as English ivy (Hedera helix), Algerian ivy (Hedera canariensis), and Persian ivy (Hedera colchica). Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) is an unrelated vine used comparably.
For poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) information, see HGIC 2307, Poison Ivy.
English Ivy
English ivy (Hedera helix) is an invasive species in South Carolina and should not be planted outdoors. If it is already present in the landscape, see HGIC 2327, English Ivy Control.
Algerian Ivy
Algerian ivy (Hedera canariensis) is a woody, climbing evergreen vine native to the Canary Islands, Azores, and Northern Africa. Also known as Canary Island ivy, Coney ivy, or Madeira ivy, it is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7 through 9. The glossy, triangular green leaves are 5 to 8 inches wide with reddish stems. Berry-like black drupes are formed from the flowers on mature stems.
Mature Height/Spread: Algerian ivy spreads horizontally on the ground, 8 to 10 inches high, or climbs walls, fences, and trellises up to 30 feet high. The plant has woody stems and climbs using hook-shaped aerial roots.
Landscape Use: Algerian ivy can be grown vertically but is often used as a groundcover where its dense growth helps reduce erosion.
Cultivation: Plants perform best in rich, moist soil but will tolerate occasional dry conditions, pollution, and salt exposure. Algerian ivy prefers growing in partial or deep shade. It does not require much care, although considerable pruning may be required to keep it in bounds.
Cultivars: Several cultivars are available, some of which have variegated foliage, such as ‘Gloire de Marengo’ and ‘Marginomaculata.’ Variegated cultivars are less vigorous and require more shade.
Problems: Fungal diseases include leaf spot, gray mold, and root rot. Bacterial spot and canker can also be serious problems. Nematodes (soil-dwelling microscopic worms) may stunt plants. Spider mites can be problematic in hot, dry locations.
Persian Ivy
Persian ivy (Hedera colchica), sometimes referred to as Colchica ivy, is a woody, evergreen climbing vine native to the Western Caucasus and Northern Turkey. It is more cold hardy than Algerian ivy, suitable for USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5 through 9. The leathery, deep green leaves are the largest of the ivies at 4 to 10 inches long and may curl slightly at the edges.
Mature Height/Spread: Persian ivy can reach sizes of 10 to 20 feet wide and 30 to 70 feet tall. Like Algerian ivy, it has woody stems and climbs using aerial roots.
Landscape Use: The dense foliage can be used as an alternative to turfgrass in shady areas and to control erosion on slopes. It can also be trained to a trellis or arbor.
Cultivation: Persian ivy prefers rich, neutral, or alkaline soil with good drainage but will tolerate occasional wet conditions. It does not require much light, and grows best in dappled sun to deep shade.
Cultivars: A few cultivars are available, such as ‘Dentata Variegata’, whose leaf margins are creamy-white and ‘Sulphur Heart’, which contains splashy sulfur-yellow variegation on the foliage.
Problems: Leaf spots may occur on Persian ivy, and mites, slugs, and snails may cause damage.
Boston Ivy
Native to Korea, China, and Japan, Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) is a deciduous or semi-evergreen vine that is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. It is also known as Grape or Japanese ivy and is appreciated for its fall color. The flowers, though inconspicuous, are attractive to bees, and songbirds consume the fruit. In its juvenile form, the trifoliate leaves may be mistaken for poison ivy.
Mature Height/Spread: Boston ivy climbs using short tendrils with sucker disks that allow it to stick to flat surfaces such as masonry. It is typically 5 to 10 feet wide and, when supported, may reach a height of 60 feet. In the absence of vertical support, it will quickly spread across the ground.
Landscape Use: This plant is used as a groundcover and climbing vine. It is one of the best vines for quickly covering arbors or trellises, but care should be taken as the adhesive disks may damage buildings and associated objects such as gutters and shutters.
Cultivation: Boston ivy is adaptable, growing in both sun and shade and tolerating various soil types, excessive wind, pollution, and salt. Except in the small area of the state designated as Zone 7, it will perform best when planted in eastern or northern-facing areas. Boston ivy requires little care other than regular trimming to keep it in bounds.
Cultivars: At least half a dozen cultivars are available, providing variation in leaf size and color. ‘Fenway Park’ boasts yellow to chartreuse leaves when planted in full sun that are lime green in the shade. ‘Ginza Lights’ features multicolored foliage with leaves that emerge pink and white before maturing to green.
Problems: Boston ivy does not suffer from serious pests or diseases, although leaf spots, mildews, canker, and wilt may occur. Insects such as Japanese Beetles, scale, and leafhoppers are potential pests. Spider mites can be a problem in hot, dry locations.
Originally published 05/99