16 Amazing Types Of Ivy Plants With Foliage Youll Love
For those seeking a climbing plant or ground cover with show-stopping foliage, ivy plants are often the go-to choice. Their versatility knows no bounds, as they can effortlessly scale structures while flaunting unique shapes and color patterns on their leaves. But did you know that true ivies all hail from the Hedera genus? Within this family, several species and cultivated varieties await discovery.
However, the term ‘ivy’ is often loosely applied to various plant groups that share similar characteristics. In an effort to provide a comprehensive overview, we’ve decided to include both the technically accurate and more colloquially referred ivy plants on our list.
Key Takeaways
While many people may be familiar with the widespread presence of ivy plants, there is still much to learn about these popular species. This article delves beyond a simple catalog of common ivy varieties, providing a comprehensive overview that explores the very essence of ivy plants. To achieve this, five key takeaways are woven throughout the discussion. The first and most fundamental point is that true ivy plants belong to the Hedera genus, comprising various species and cultivars.
However, it’s also important to note that some non-Hedera species share the name ‘ivy,’ highlighting the nuances of botanical classification. Notably, ivy’s ornamental appeal lies in its stunning foliage, which often serves as its defining feature. Furthermore, most ivy plants possess varying degrees of toxicity, a characteristic that warrants consideration. Additionally, many species utilize tiny suction cups to anchor themselves to surfaces, further underscoring their remarkable adaptability.
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English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is often considered the quintessential ivy, not only because it’s a popular choice among plant enthusiasts but also due to its widespread cultivation and versatility. As the parent species of many beloved varieties, Hedera helix showcases its characteristic woody, perennial vine nature with stunning broad evergreen foliage.
The leaves are undoubtedly the most striking feature of this iconic plant, boasting a unique trident shape and an attractive rich dark green hue with light grey veins. This distinctive appearance is just one reason why English ivy is a must-know for any ivy aficionado.
Baltic Ivy (Hedera helix’ Baltica’)
Baltic ivy, a Hedera helix cultivar, stands out from others on this list due to its striking resemblance to the parent species. While its leaves may be nearly indistinguishable from those of English ivy, it’s worth noting that Baltic ivy shares many characteristics with other English ivy cultivars. A key feature of these plants is their ability to thrive in a wide range of sunlight conditions and soil types.
Additionally, Baltic ivy and its fellow ivies are renowned for their rapid growth rates, making them popular choices as reliable ground covers.
Gold Child Variegated Ivy (Hedera helix’ Gold Child’)
The gold child variegated ivy marks our third entry on the list, and it’s one of two varieties with a golden hue. One glance at its leaves reveals why this plant earned its name. The trident-shaped foliage boasts an intriguing multi-color scheme, setting it apart from other ivies. While the central sections of each leaf maintain a standard dark green color, the margins take on a vibrant gold tone, giving the plant its distinctive appearance.
For those seeking to add a pop of color to their ivy collection, the gold child variegated ivy is an excellent choice.
Gold Heart Variegated Ivy (Hedera helix’ Gold Heart’)
The gold heart variegated ivy seamlessly builds upon the concept explored in our previous entry, but with a distinct twist. Instead of the striking contrast found on the gold child variety, where golden markings adorn leaf edges against a lush green backdrop, the gold heart boasts an inverted pattern. Large, radiant patches of light gold radiate from the center of each leaf, surrounded by dark green margins.
This unique coloration is not the only difference – the leaves themselves display a more rounded, heart-shaped silhouette compared to the trident-like structure characteristic of the gold child variety.
Variegated Algerian Ivy (Hedera algeriensis ‘Gloire de Marengo’)
While some may be confused by the similarity between this plant and the next entry, it’s essential to note that they belong to distinct species within the Hedera genus. Specifically, the variegated Algerian ivy, scientifically known as Hedera algeriensis ‘Gloire de Marengo’, boasts a unique botanical name that references Marengo, a town in Algeria with historical significance.
This cultivar’s striking visual appeal stems from its vibrant color pattern, characterized by large green and white splotches.
Algerian Ivy (Hedera canariensis)
Algerian ivy, scientifically known as Hedera canariensis, is a highly valued species that rivals its peers in terms of utility. This fast-growing climber not only excels at scaling vertical surfaces but also thrives as a low-maintenance ground cover option. One of its defining features is the consistent light green hue of its leaves, which sets it apart from other ivy varieties.
Building on its reputation for effortless upkeep, Algerian ivy proves to be surprisingly resilient and easy to care for. Moreover, it showcases impressive shade tolerance, outperforming many of its fellow shade-tolerant ivies in this regard.
Variegated Persian Ivy (Hedera colchica ‘Dentata Variegata’)
The variegated Persian ivy’s unique characteristics have solidified its reputation as an attractive and resilient plant. Its striking leaves feature large white patches at the edges that gradually fade to dark green towards the center, creating a visually captivating display. Moreover, this cultivar boasts remarkable dependability, exhibiting traits such as deer resistance, tolerance for shaded environments, and moderate water requirements.
By adhering to a straightforward care regimen, it’s possible to cultivate a variegated Persian ivy that can reach impressive heights of over 40 feet.
Irish Ivy (Hedera hibernica)
The final entry on our list of true ivies is the Irish ivy plant, also known as Atlantic ivy. While it may not be the most well-known ivy species, this versatile plant is certainly worthy of consideration for those who appreciate the charm of ivies. One of its defining characteristics is the trident-shaped leaves, which are slightly broader than those found in other ivy varieties.
Additionally, the leaf color tends to be lighter than that of related ivies, making it a visually appealing option for gardeners.
Devil’s Ivy (Epipremmum aureum)
This marks a turning point in our exploration of ivy-like plants. While earlier entries were technically true ivies, from here on out we’ll be focusing on species that share common names with ivies, even if they don’t fit the botanical definition. These plants are still worthy of attention, as many gardeners intuitively group them with ivies. Take Devil’s ivy, for instance – it’s a wildly popular choice for indoor spaces, and for good reason.
This plant thrives in low-light conditions, producing an abundance of glossy leaves that only add to its charm. Its rapid growth rate is another major selling point, making it an excellent option for those who consider themselves less-than-green-thumbed gardeners.
Marble Queen Devil’s Ivy (Epipremmum aureum’ Marble Queen’)
When exploring the world of plants, you may have noticed that many species have cultivated variants that exhibit distinct differences in leaf characteristics. This is certainly true for Devil’s Ivy, where marble queen devil’s ivy stands out with its unique marbled appearance. Instead of a uniform green hue, this cultivar boasts leaves that blend light green and stark white tones, evoking the name ‘marble queen’.
German Ivy (Delairea odorata)
While many gardeners adore ivy plants for their stunning foliage, German ivy stands out with an added bonus: its flowers are just as breathtaking. The blooms feature bright yellow petals that stretch out from a textured, sun-kissed center. But it’s not just the flowers that make this plant special – its leaves are equally alluring. The glossy green foliage is vibrant and eye-catching, with each leaf featuring an irregular margin that adds to their unique shape.
Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)
Boston ivy may seem like a quintessential New England staple, but its name is actually a bit of a geographical misnomer. While it’s commonly found adorning the brick walls of prestigious academic institutions in the Boston area, this plant actually hails from Asia. One way to identify Boston ivy is by its distinctive large, three-pointed leaves that are deciduous and turn a vibrant shade of red during the fall season.
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
The Latin-inspired botanical name of the Virginia creeper vine holds a subtle secret: its leaves are composed of five distinct parts. This characteristic has led to an alternative common name – the five-leaved ivy. As its native title suggests, this plant is firmly rooted in the eastern United States, where it flourishes in woodland environments. With equal ease, it can be found as both a ground-hugging cover and a climbing vine that wraps itself around the trunks of mature trees.
When autumn arrives, the foliage transforms into a stunning shade of red before shedding its leaves. Given its native status, the Virginia creeper makes for an eco-friendly choice for American gardeners, supporting various forms of wildlife in the process.
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis)
Swedish ivy is a well-loved indoor plant that thrives in homes worldwide. Its adaptability to pot-grown environments makes it an ideal choice for indoor cultivation. The plant’s aesthetic appeal lies in its rounded leaves featuring wavy margins and a glossy, dark green surface. As the seasons change, Swedish ivy also produces small, off-white flowers attached to slender stems.
However, when choosing to cultivate this species, it is essential to understand that it demands a relatively high level of illumination daily. Ideally, provide your Swedish ivy plant with 12-14 hours of direct sunlight for optimal results. While this amount of light is preferred, the plant can still survive with lower sun exposure, albeit at a slightly reduced vigor.
Variegated Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis ‘Marginatus’)
The variegated Swedish ivy stands out from its parent species by boasting an even more alluring appearance. The plant’s leaves are a slightly lighter green hue with subtle white patches along the wavy margins, which many consider to be its most striking feature. Like Swedish ivy, this variety often thrives as an indoor houseplant, requiring minimal upkeep and care. When cultivated properly, variegated Swedish ivy is remarkably free from pest and disease issues.
To keep it thriving, simply provide nutrient-rich soil that can hold a moderate amount of moisture, allowing the plant to flourish with ease.
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
While Devil’s ivy may have the most ominous name, poison ivy is arguably the most notorious ivy out there. We’re not suggesting you intentionally cultivate it on your property – quite the opposite. Instead, we’re bringing it up so you can identify and avoid it. Poison ivy earns its bad reputation thanks to the potent oils secreted by its leaves, which cause itchy red rashes in those who come into contact with them. Needless to say, it’s essential to steer clear of this plant.
To do that effectively, it helps to know what it looks like. As deciduous vines, poison ivy plants typically display their leaves in sets of three. These leaves often have a glossy appearance due to the oils they produce, and their shapes can vary – sometimes they’re perfectly tapered ovals, while other times they may have slightly jagged edges.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Ivy Plants
Can Ivy Be an Indoor Plant?
What sets ivy plants apart is their versatility, allowing them to thrive both indoors and outdoors. One of the most popular varieties, English ivy, is a prime example. This plant can adapt to low-light conditions, making it an ideal choice for indoor gardening. However, it’s not just true ivies that can do well indoors.
Plants like Devil’s ivy and Swedish ivy, which share common names with their ivy counterparts, also flourish in low-light environments, making them perfect options for indoor spaces.
Does Ivy Need Full Sun?
Ivy plants display an impressive adaptability when it comes to sunlight exposure. Unlike some plants that require specific conditions, ivies can thrive in a wide range of light environments. While they don’t necessarily need direct sunlight, they’re equally comfortable growing in partial shade or even full shade. This remarkable versatility has contributed to the enduring popularity of ivy plants, making them a staple in many gardens and indoor spaces.
Is Ivy a Good Potted Plant?
One of the most appealing aspects of ivy plants is their versatility. Not only can they thrive in various levels of sunlight, but they also excel in containers. This adaptability has contributed significantly to their popularity among indoor gardeners, as it allows for easy growth and maintenance. However, growing ivy in pots does require some additional attention. The most crucial aspect is monitoring the plant’s size and ensuring it doesn’t become too large for its container.
If left unchecked, ivy can quickly develop root bound conditions, necessitating a larger pot to support continued healthy growth.
Is Ivy Poisonous to the Skin?
The toxicity of ivy on human skin varies significantly depending on the specific species involved. Poisonous reactions can be severe with poison ivy, which is often mislabeled as ‘true ivy’. In contrast, many true ivies from the Hedera genus tend to cause milder skin irritation and rashes. While a toxic response isn’t guaranteed when handling these plants, it’s still recommended to wear protective gloves for cautionary measures.
Is Ivy Toxic to the Touch?
While many species of ivy are harmless, others can be quite hazardous to human contact. Poison ivy, in particular, is infamous for inducing severe allergic reactions upon skin exposure to its potent oils. Similarly, other types of ivy may cause milder symptoms when touched bare-handed, but the risks escalate exponentially if ingested. Ingestion can lead to unpleasant consequences like vomiting and diarrhea.
As such, it’s crucial to keep a watchful eye on children and pets whenever they venture near your ivy plants.
What is the Most Poisonous Plant in the World?
While it’s true that many ivy plants can be toxic in varying degrees, it’s important to recognize that some other plants are far more hazardous. The oleander plant, for instance, is often cited as one of the most poisonous plants globally. Moreover, several other plants, such as the castor oil plant, oleander, and hemlock, possess enough toxicity to prove fatal to adult humans.
Interestingly, it was likely the consumption of hemlock that led to the demise of Socrates, a renowned Greek philosopher. Meanwhile, this list of ivy species only scratches the surface of our understanding. Even for those familiar with caring for ivies, there may be unanswered questions and uncertainties. For instance, one might wonder about the most effective methods for growing or maintaining certain types of ivy.
16 Incredible Types of Ivy Plants that Any Expert Gardener Should Know
With this introduction to the world of ivy plants now complete, you’re equipped with a solid foundation of knowledge on these elegant climbers. From their varied foliage forms to their remarkable ability to scale almost any surface, ivies have captivated plant enthusiasts worldwide. As you weigh your options for the perfect addition to your garden, consider the unique characteristics and growth habits of each species to ensure the ideal choice for your outdoor space.