How to Grow Ivy: Cuttings, Ground Cover, Walls and Containers (Responsibly)
How to grow ivy the smart way: how to propagate ivy cuttings in water or soil, using ivy as ground cover, the truth about ivy on walls, growing ivy in pots and hanging baskets, and the honest answer to “is English ivy invasive?”
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Ivy is one of the easiest plants to grow. A single cutting roots within weeks, and the evergreen leaves stay green in shade, in pots and over winter. That is exactly why ivy needs some thought: the same vigor that makes it easy can turn it into a problem on walls, trees and in natural areas.
This guide explains how to grow ivy responsibly. You will learn how to propagate ivy cuttings in water or soil, where ivy ground cover works and where it does not, what ivy on walls really does to brick and wood, how to grow ivy safely in containers on a patio, and the honest answer to a question many gardeners ask: is English ivy invasive?
Types of Ivy (and Plants Called Ivy)
| Plant | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English ivy (Hedera helix) | Evergreen climber and ground cover | The most common ivy; invasive in many U.S. regions |
| Algerian ivy (Hedera canariensis) | Evergreen, large leaves | For warm climates; also spreads vigorously |
| Persian ivy (Hedera colchica) | Evergreen, very large leaves | Bold foliage; vigorous |
| Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) | Deciduous climber, not a true ivy | Red fall color; clings with adhesive pads |
| Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) | Native deciduous climber | Native alternative with red fall color |
| Swedish ivy | Houseplant, not a true ivy | Trailing plant for pots and baskets |
Most advice in this guide is about true ivies (Hedera), especially English ivy, which is the type most gardeners mean when they ask how to grow ivy.
Is English Ivy Invasive?
Is English ivy invasive? In many parts of the United States, yes. Oregon State University Extension describes English ivy as a European forest vine that is invasive in the U.S., and Clemson University explains why it causes problems:
- It smothers trees: climbing ivy covers branches and foliage, weakening and eventually killing trees.
- It crowds out other plants: on the ground, it forms thick mats that shade out perennials and small shrubs.
- It spreads by seed: when ivy climbs, it changes into an adult form that flowers and fruits; birds eat the berries and drop the seeds elsewhere.
- Variegated ivy can revert: Clemson notes that variegated types often revert to the vigorous all-green form.
Some states and counties regulate English ivy or discourage planting it. Check your state’s invasive plant list or local extension office before planting ivy in the ground.
That does not mean you can never grow ivy. It means you should grow it where it cannot escape: in containers, as a trimmed edging away from trees and natural areas, or indoors.
How to Propagate Ivy Cuttings
Ivy roots easily, which makes it simple to propagate ivy cuttings for pots, baskets and new plants:
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| In water | You can see the roots develop; very easy | Roots need time to adjust to soil |
| In soil | Roots adapt to soil from the start; less transplant shock | You cannot see the roots |
| Hose with a gentle nozzle | Even watering for baskets and pots | See our garden hose nozzle guide |
How to Grow Ivy Outdoors
- Where: partial to full shade; ivy tolerates sun in cooler climates but can scorch in hot afternoon sun.
- Soil: moist, well-drained soil with some compost.
- When: plant in spring or early fall, so roots establish before heat or frost.
- Spacing: plant rooted cuttings or small plants about 12 inches apart for an edging or small patch.
- Limits: keep ivy well away from trees, fences you do not want covered, house walls and natural areas.
Knowing how to grow ivy outdoors is mostly about control: plant it where you can easily trim it back several times a year.
Ivy Care
| Task | How | When |
|---|---|---|
| Watering | Water regularly until established; established ivy in the ground needs little extra water | When the top inch is dry |
| Feeding | Rarely needed outdoors; pots get a light liquid feed | Spring and summer |
| Trimming | Cut back runners at the edges and any stems that start to climb | Several times a year |
| Flowers and berries | Remove climbing stems before they flower and set seed | Late summer |
| Cleaning | Rake fallen leaves out of ivy beds to prevent slugs and rot | Fall |
Sharp pruners and gloves make trimming quick and safe; see our gardening tool sets guide and gardening gloves guide.
Ivy Ground Cover: Where It Works
Ivy ground cover is popular for deep shade, under shrubs and on slopes where grass will not grow. However, Clemson University warns that ivy forms thick mats that shade out other plants, and that it climbs any tree it reaches.
- Small, contained areas between paving or walls
- Deep shade where little else grows
- Away from trees, fences and natural areas
- When you can trim the edges several times a year
- Large areas next to woodland or parks
- Under trees, where it will climb
- Areas you want to keep low-maintenance
- Gardens in regions where English ivy is a listed invasive
For easy-care ground covers and lawn alternatives, see our guide to a low-maintenance garden.
Ivy on Walls: What You Should Know
Ivy on walls looks romantic, but Clemson University explains that the aerial rootlets can damage stucco, wood and the mortar of brick homes, and that dense foliage can hold moisture that leads to rot.
| Wall type | Risk of ivy on walls | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Old or soft mortar, cracked brick | High | Do not grow clinging ivy |
| Stucco and painted surfaces | High | Rootlets leave marks and damage the finish |
| Wood siding and fences | High | Moisture and rot; avoid |
| Sound, solid masonry | Moderate | Ivy still leaves marks when removed; keep it away from gutters, roof and windows |
| Freestanding trellis or wire | Low | The best way to get a green wall look |
A safer way to enjoy a green wall is to fix a trellis or tensioned wires a few inches from the wall and grow a non-clinging climber on it. That way, air circulates and the wall stays dry.
Growing Ivy in Pots and Hanging Baskets
Containers are the easiest and most responsible way to grow ivy on a patio or balcony. Trailing ivy softens the edges of pots, window boxes and hanging baskets, and it stays green in winter.
- Use a pot with drainage holes and good potting mix.
- Combine ivy with seasonal flowers as the trailing “spiller” in mixed containers.
- Place containers in partial shade.
- Water when the top inch of mix is dry; baskets dry out quickly.
- Keep pots off the ground so ivy cannot root into the soil, and trim long trails.
For more on pots, potting mix and combinations, see our guide to container gardening.
Ivy Indoors
English ivy is also a popular houseplant for bright, indirect light and cool rooms. Ivy is often listed as an air-purifying plant, based on sealed-chamber laboratory studies; in a normal home, the effect of a few plants on indoor air is very small, so enjoy ivy for its looks rather than as an air filter.
- Give bright, indirect light.
- Water when the top of the mix is dry.
- Mist or shower the leaves now and then; indoor ivy is prone to spider mites in dry air.
See white bugs on plants for identifying spider mites and other pests, and how to grow herbs indoors for more indoor growing tips.
Ivy, Pets and Skin
- Pets: the ASPCA lists English ivy as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. It can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling and diarrhea; the leaves are more toxic than the berries.
- Skin: Clemson University and Oregon State University both note that ivy sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive people. Wear gloves and long sleeves when you trim or remove ivy.
- Berries: keep children from eating the berries.
If you suspect your pet has eaten ivy, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. See also how to keep dogs out of your garden for plants to avoid in a pet-friendly yard.
Removing Unwanted Ivy
If ivy has taken over, Oregon State University Extension recommends the “life saver” method for trees:
Expect to follow up for a few seasons as new sprouts appear. A kneeling pad makes pulling ground ivy much easier; see our kneeling pad guide.
Alternatives to English Ivy
| Goal | Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Shade ground cover | Native ferns, wild ginger, Allegheny spurge, sedges, foamflower |
| Sunny ground cover | Creeping thyme, sedum, creeping phlox |
| Green wall or fence | Climbing hydrangea or native vines on a trellis; Virginia creeper on a sturdy fence |
| Trailing plant for pots | Creeping Jenny, sweet potato vine, trailing verbena |
Native plants support local insects and birds and do not escape into woodland. Check with your local extension office or native plant society for the best options in your area. See also how to grow thyme for using creeping thyme as ground cover.
Ivy Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Likely cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Leggy growth with few leaves | Too little light or no trimming | Move to brighter shade; trim to encourage branching |
| Brown, crispy leaf edges | Dry soil or hot afternoon sun | Water more evenly; give more shade |
| Speckled leaves and fine webbing | Spider mites, especially indoors | Rinse leaves; raise humidity |
| Bumps on stems | Scale insects | See our scale insects guide |
| Ivy climbing trees or walls | Not trimmed back | Cut climbing stems at the base and pull them off |
See how to get rid of scale insects and our garden insects guide.
What You Need
| Item | Why it helps | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Pots and hanging baskets with drainage | The safest way to grow ivy | Keep them off the ground |
| Sharp pruners | Regular trimming keeps ivy in check | See our gardening tool sets guide |
| Gardening gloves and long sleeves | Ivy sap can irritate skin | See our gardening gloves guide |
| Kneeling pad | Comfortable planting and pulling | See our kneeling pad guide |
| Trellis or wires | A green wall without damage | Fix them a few inches from the wall |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ivy grow in full sun?
Ivy tolerates some sun in cooler climates, but in hot regions full afternoon sun can scorch the leaves. Partial to full shade is best.
How do I make ivy fuller?
Pinch or trim the tips of long stems regularly. This makes the plant branch and grow denser instead of long and leggy.
How do I grow ivy from cuttings?
Take 4- to 6-inch cuttings with at least two leaf nodes, remove the lower leaves and root them in water or moist potting mix. Roots usually form in two to three weeks.
Is English ivy invasive?
In many parts of the United States, yes. It spreads by bird-dispersed seed, smothers trees and crowds out other plants. Check your local invasive plant list before planting it in the ground.
Does ivy damage walls?
It can. The aerial rootlets can damage stucco, wood and the mortar of brick walls, and dense ivy holds moisture. A trellis set away from the wall is a safer option.
Is ivy a good ground cover?
Only in small, contained shady areas away from trees and natural areas, where you can trim it regularly. For larger areas, native ground covers are a better choice.
How fast does ivy grow?
Once established, ivy can grow several feet a year, especially in moist, shady conditions. Young plants are slower in their first year.
Can I grow ivy in pots outside?
Yes. Ivy is excellent in pots, window boxes and hanging baskets in partial shade. Keep pots off the ground so the stems cannot root into the soil.
Is ivy toxic to dogs and cats?
Yes. The ASPCA lists English ivy as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. It can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling and diarrhea.
Does ivy need sun or shade?
Ivy grows best in partial to full shade. It tolerates some sun in cooler climates, but hot afternoon sun can scorch the leaves.
How do I stop ivy from spreading?
Trim the edges several times a year, cut off any stems that start to climb, and remove flowering stems before berries form.
How do I remove ivy from a tree?
Cut all vines around the trunk at eye level, peel them down to the ground, clear a 3- to 5-foot ring around the trunk and leave the top growth to die.
Is Boston ivy the same as English ivy?
No. Boston ivy is a deciduous climber in a different plant family, with red fall color. It clings with adhesive pads and can also mark walls.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to grow ivy responsibly: propagate ivy cuttings in water or soil, grow ivy in pots and baskets, keep ivy ground cover small and trimmed, and think twice about ivy on walls.
Is English ivy invasive? In many regions it is, so keep it away from trees and natural areas, trim it before it flowers and choose native alternatives for large spaces. That way, you can enjoy the evergreen beauty of ivy without the problems.
Sources: Clemson University HGIC: English ivy control; Oregon State University Extension: ivy removal in a home landscape; ASPCA Animal Poison Control: English ivy.
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