ENGLISH IVY

Botanical name: Hedera helix

Description:

Ø  Habit: Evergreen climbing vine or groundcover.

Ø  Size: Can grow up to 20-30 meters (66-98 feet) tall when climbing, but typically only 6-9 inches tall as groundcover.

Ø  Leaves: Lobed, dark green, and leathery. The leaves of juvenile plants are typically lobed, while mature plants have unlobed leaves.

Ø  Flowers: Small, greenish-yellow, and clustered in umbels. They bloom in late fall or early winter.

Ø  Fruit: Black berries that are attractive to birds.

 Uses

Ø  Groundcover: English ivy thrives in shady areas, forming a dense, evergreen carpet that suppresses weeds and adds visual interest.

Ø  Climbing vine: Let it climb walls, fences, or trellises to create a living tapestry, providing privacy and cooling shade.

Ø  Hanging baskets: Its trailing stems and cascading foliage make it a stunning addition to hanging baskets and planters.

Ø  Bonsai: With careful pruning and shaping, English ivy can be trained into a miniature, living sculpture, perfect for bonsai enthusiasts.

Ø  Erosion control: English ivy's dense root system helps prevent soil erosion on slopes and banks.

Ø  Air purification: Studies suggest it may help remove indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene.

Ø  Habitat for wildlife: Birds and small animals find shelter and nesting sites amongst its dense foliage.