HederaandParthenocissusare the two most widely grown ivies in landscaping.
Both do best in fertile, moist soil that drains well.
English Ivy
English ivy (Hedera helix)is a fast-growing evergreen vine valued for its versatility.
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Its vigorous growth habit makes it an effective ground cover where you need a patch of ground covered quickly.
The leaves of the ‘Gold Child’ cultivar (Hedera helix ‘Gold Child’) are edged in gold.
Persian Ivy
Persian ivy (Hedera colchica) is a true ivy with oval-to-heart-shaped leaves.
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It has its own cultivars: including ‘Dentata’, ‘Dentata Variegata’, and ‘Sulpher Heart’.
All plants in theHederagenus can be put to similar uses (ground covers, to cover walls, etc.
), but one use you may not think of right away is fortopiary.
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With its greater leaf size, Persian ivy can fill in a large topiary frame faster than English ivy.
Algerian Ivy
Another exotic true ivy is theAlgerian (Hedera canariensis).
But this vine isn’t as cold-hardy as some ivies (only to zone 7).
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Use it as a ground cover or wall covering where you want an eye-catching foliar display.
are toxic to pets.
Boston Ivy
LikeHederaspp.,Parthenocissusspp.
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cling to just about any surface and tolerate shady conditions as well as sun.
Also, likeHederaspp., they can be used as ground cover plants.
In most parts of North America, Boston ivy is a less aggressive grower than English ivy.
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But Boston ivy is adeciduousvine.
It providesgreat red fall color; even in spring, the new leaves are reddish.
The foliage morphs to green in summer before reverting to red in fall.
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The foliage starts out golden in spring.
In summer it morphs into a chartreuse green.
The fall color is red, as with the species plant.
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In the North, give it as much sun as you could, which promotes its striking colors.
But at the southern end of its range, it can profit from afternoon shade.
Variegated Ground Ivy
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Glechoma hederaceais a widespread lawnweedin North America.
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The variegated version, however, is sold as an ornamental and is valued for its attractive leaves.
Use it as anedging plantwhere an unusual specimen is called for.
It gets its glossy, dark green, five-lobed evergreen leaves from its English ivy parent.
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But thisperennialgets its shrubby habit from its other parent.
you could buy variegated cultivars such as ‘Variegata’ if you want more striking foliage.
Not only is it not a true ivy, but it isn’t evena true geranium.
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What we commonly call a “geranium” is actually aPelargonium,a throw in of annual.
By contrast, true geraniums are perennials.
Regardless, ivy geraniums are showy plants well worth growing outdoors during the summer months in cold climates.
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you might make your Swedish ivy a bushier, more compact plant by pinching it regularly.
Such a regimen helps this herbaceous perennial develop new branches.
And the vine is soft enough that pinching is very easy.
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Pothos is toxic to pets.
Alternatively, grow it in a hanging basket for the deck during the summertime.
Being well-adapted to low light conditions, it is easy to grow as a houseplant.
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Cissus,Epipremnum, Glechoma,Hedera, andParthenocissusall have some levels of toxicity to humans.
More typically, in the northern United States, it is valued simply for its foliage.
It is commonly grown in hanging baskets outdoors in the summer.
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But it is also a popular houseplant.
As withHederaspp., the plant requires more care when grown indoors rather than outdoors.
When grown indoors, ivy needs more attention.
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Most types of ivy grow rapidly outdoors.
They will generally grow slower indoors.
One ivy you will want to avoid altogether isToxicodendron radicans,the infamous “poison ivy.”
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This North-American native isn’t really an ivy at all.
Rather, it’s considered one of our biggest nuisance plants.
Here’show to remove it safelyfrom your land.
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Virginia creeper and English ivy are two of the best types of ivy to grow on a house.
English Ivy.Pet Poison Helpline.
Top 11 Poisonous Plants.Pet Poison Helpline.
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Safe and Poisonous Garden Plants.University of California.
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