English Ivy

For more care advice about Ivy, check out our complete guide to ivy care.

There can hardly be a person in the UK who isn’t familiar with this plant. It grows up buildings, trees and anything else it can get its rootlets on. Although it’s known as English ivy, this climbing plant grows in all sorts of countries, including Portugal, Turkey and even Iran. 

In the wild, it’s a vital source of food to birds and insects. Over 70 species of insect sip nectar from its flowers and many different types of bird feast on its fruit.

More commonly an outdoor plant, it makes a lovely, gently trailing indoor pot plant. It thrives in any light conditions, so it’s suitable for any home. It’s a fast grower, so don’t be afraid to cut it back if it gets out of control. It won’t mind a bit. If you want to help it grow, give it a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer.

If you’d like a variegated version of this plant, check out Effy.

Did you know?

English ivy leaf extract is used in cough syrups. Please note ivy is poisonous and should not be eaten, for coughs or otherwise.