Climber · Araliaceae familyornamental and medicinal · also in Medicinal herbs
common ivy
Hedera helix
In short a 10-second read
Common ivy (climber) grows to 6–24.4 m tall and 0.9–15.2 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to shade, in dry to average soil. It flowers in September–October; the flowers are green or yellow. Hardy to −34 °C.
× spread 0.9–15.2 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to shade, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −34 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: little
Soil: clay, humus-rich, loamy, sandy, gravelly
Soil pH 5.5–8.5
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 10–20 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
September–October · green or yellow
Pruning
cut back by a third (as needed)
Planting
container plant: October–April
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −34 °C
- Evergreen — green in winter too
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does common ivy flower?
In September–October; the flowers are green or yellow.
Does common ivy tolerate shade?
Yes, it tolerates full shade.
How much space does common ivy need?
At maturity 0.9–15.2 m wide and 6–24.4 m tall; recommended spacing 100 cm.
Does common ivy survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 21 expert sources. Last checked 20 October 2026.
Show sources (21)
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Hedera helix
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Hedera helix
- Oregon State University Landscape Plants — Hedera helix
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Hedera helix
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Hedera helix
- Wikidata (CC0) — Hedera helix
- EPPO Global Database — Hedera helix
- RHS - Hedera helix
- EMA/HMPC - Hederae helicis folium (herbal medicine)
- EMA/HMPC - monografia Hederae helicis folium (EMA/HMPC/325716/2017)
- RHS - How to grow ivy indoors
- RHS - Climbers: pruning established
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EASIN, EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
Similar plants
Have a look at these too.
Uses · common ivy
What it is used for.
Traditional use according to the monograph of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
What it is for
Flowers
Cautions
- This is not medical advice. The information summarises the EMA (European Medicines Agency) monograph on licensed herbal medicines, not home preparation; ask a doctor or pharmacist about dosage and suitability.
- do not use if allergic to plants of the ivy family (Araliaceae)
- must not be given to children under 2
- not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- see a doctor if symptoms persist or get worse
- If you have a known allergy to plants of the Araliaceae family, consult a pharmacist.
- If pregnant or breastfeeding, for children and when taking medicines, always consult a doctor or pharmacist.