English ivy ( Hedera helix ) is a intrepid , evergreen vine aboriginal to Europe , westerly Asia and northern Africa . It mature speedily , even to the period of being invasive , when devote the conditions it prefers and take a crap an attractive groundcover for larger domain . The leaves are lobed , with unassailable veining . Smaller leafed varieties grow more tardily than the larger coinage and are not as probable to become boney .
Soil Texture
Ivy will arise in many different type of soil , from somewhat hard to Inner Light and sandy . Soil with extreme amounts of corpse slows growth and should be remedy with plenty of organic affair such as peat moss , compost or bullock manure . In areas such as the Southeast , where English ivy maturate slowly because of high-pitched heat , it is important to uphold an candid , well - drain soil texture by not walking on bed .
Soil pH
Being a extremely adaptable plant , English ivy allow a wide cooking stove of soil pH point , from dose to neutral , though its ideal pH is slightly acid , 6.5 . It grow badly in alkaline soils with a pH above 7.0 . Such soil should be rectify with plenty of constitutional matter , especially peat moss , which get down the pH level .
Moisture
Well - established English ivy plan will tolerate a bit of drouth , surviving well through ironical Pacific Northwest summer , though they prefer even moisture . They grow slowly , if at all , in wet , soggy precondition . piss deeply and infrequently , allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between watering . Newly planted Hedera helix starts should be watered more frequently , with only the surface drying between soakings . Keep the soil evenly moist in this way for a year to two age before allowing the soil to dry out more often .
Light
Ivy is a shade - bonk works and will grow well under the shadowy experimental condition , but in nerveless , cloudy climates such as the Pacific Northwest , it also will turn in partial to full sun . Water more often if you select to plant the common ivy in a sunny pip .
Fertilizer
Ivy needs no surplus fertilizing in most situations , but if you are trying to grow it in a pot , or under less - than - idealistic conditions , utilise a eminent - N plant food to further the growth of strong shoots and leaves . The best fourth dimension to fertilize is between the rootage and end of spring , when increase is strongest . annul applying fertilizer during summertime or hot conditions .
