Hedera helix (English Ivy) - Monthly Plant Care Calendar
Written by Pat Hammer
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There are over 400 different Hedera helix. They are very easy to grow and work in the landscape many ways. They come in an assortment of colors and leaf shapes. They are fun to collect and many things can be learned about plants by growing a few ivy. However, in our area it is important to be vigilant about making sure they are not allowed to run wild and become invasive.
Here's what you should be doing each month of the year for this plant in Sunset Zones 23, 24: Find Your Climate Zone.
January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December
January
BUY
Ivy is available as a house plant all year around and it does not matter when you buy it if you are not planting in the ground. House plant ivy is usually grown in 4" pots and 6"/8" hanging baskets. It is best to buy groundcover ivy or landscape ivy in the late fall just before our winter rains. Landscape Ivy is available in most nurseries many months during the year and is sold in nursery flats. Generally this ivy is not labeled and is often a combination of varieties. Generally, they are the hardiest ivies and do make a great groundcover. Look closely to be sure it is only one variety. If there is more than one variety sometimes you find that some like your location and others do not. Some will tolerate more sun that others. Some will have hardier roots than others. Any ivy will work as landscape ivy. I recommend buying ivies in the largest pots possible and plant them into the ground. They have a much larger root mass and are better equipped to handle the transition. Generally the darker green the more sun it can tolerate but I have had several variegated ivies that were perfectly happy in full sun at the coast of California.
PLANT
When planting into the landscape it is best to do it just before the winter rains and during shorter days. If planted in late winter early spring, water in deeply and keep soil moist, not soggy, for the first few weeks to allow the roots to get established. It may take landscape ivy a full year to really get established and start growing. Once ivy is well established it can be very drought tolerant as long as it is acclimated gradually.
WATER
When planting new ivies it is important to keep the soil evenly moist and avoid dry out. At first, depending on location, sun exposure, soil type and wind conditions you may need to check daily and gradually taper off how often to monitor. It is a good idea to give ivy a little TLC the first two years.
MULCH
You may want to mulch newly planted ivy to help hold moisture in the soil.
February
BUY
Ivy is available as a house plant all year around and it does not matter when you buy it if you are not planting in the ground. House plant ivy is usually grown in 4" pots and 6"/8" hanging baskets. It is best to buy groundcover ivy or landscape ivy in the late fall just before our winter rains. Landscape Ivy is available in most nurseries many months during the year and is sold in nursery flats. Generally this ivy is not labeled and is often a combination of varieties. Generally, they are the hardiest ivies and do make a great groundcover. Look closely to be sure it is only one variety. If there is more than one variety sometimes you find that some like your location and others do not. Some will tolerate more sun that others. Some will have hardier roots than others. Any ivy will work as landscape ivy. I recommend buying ivies in the largest pots possible and plant them into the ground. They have a much larger root mass and are better equipped to handle the transition. Generally the darker green the more sun it can tolerate but I have had several variegated ivies that were perfectly happy in full sun at the coast of California.
PLANT
When planting into the landscape it is best to do it just before the winter rains and during shorter days. If planted in late winter early spring, water in deeply and keep soil moist, not soggy, for the first few weeks to allow the roots to get established. It may take landscape ivy a full year to really get established and start growing. Once ivy is well established it can be very drought tolerant as long as it is acclimated gradually.
WATER
When planting new ivies it is important to keep the soil evenly moist and avoid dry out. At first, depending on location, sun exposure, soil type and wind conditions you may need to check daily and gradually taper off how often to monitor. It is a good idea to give ivy a little TLC the first two years.
MULCH
March
Vines: Get plant care reminders sent to you for the plants in YOUR garden. Click below to visit each plant and their available plant care! Plant Care (25)Akebia trifoliata Three Leaf Akebia 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b Lucy Clematis spp. Virgins Bower 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11 Lucy Jasminum polyanthum Pink Jasmine 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 SteveBrigham Rosa hybrid 'Polka LCl' Polka Large Flowered Climber Rose 21, 22, 23, 24 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11 JackShoultz Rosa hybrid 'Polka LCl' Polka Large Flowered Climber Rose 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 SteveBrigham |
BUY
Ivy is available as a house plant all year around and it does not matter when you buy it if you are not planting in the ground. House plant ivy is usually grown in 4" pots and 6"/8" hanging baskets. It is best to buy groundcover ivy or landscape ivy in the late fall just before our winter rains. Landscape Ivy is available in most nurseries many months during the year and is sold in nursery flats. Generally this ivy is not labeled and is often a combination of varieties. Generally, they are the hardiest ivies and do make a great groundcover. Look closely to be sure it is only one variety. If there is more than one variety sometimes you find that some like your location and others do not. Some will tolerate more sun that others. Some will have hardier roots than others. Any ivy will work as landscape ivy. I recommend buying ivies in the largest pots possible and plant them into the ground. They have a much larger root mass and are better equipped to handle the transition. Generally the darker green the more sun it can tolerate but I have had several variegated ivies that were perfectly happy in full sun at the coast of California.
FERTILIZE
Landscape ivy should be fertilized about once per year to keep it green. Use liquid or granular and chose something with high nitrogen for foliage growth and not flowering.
WATER
Generally, once an ivy is established in the landscape it is pretty drought tolerant. I would still recommend a weekly, bi-weekly deep watering during the hotter months. This helps to keep the ivy in the best shape to avoid problems.
April
BUY
Ivy is available as a house plant all year around and it does not matter when you buy it if you are not planting in the ground. House plant ivy is usually grown in 4" pots and 6"/8" hanging baskets. It is best to buy groundcover ivy or landscape ivy in the late fall just before our winter rains. Landscape Ivy is available in most nurseries many months during the year and is sold in nursery flats. Generally this ivy is not labeled and is often a combination of varieties. Generally, they are the hardiest ivies and do make a great groundcover. Look closely to be sure it is only one variety. If there is more than one variety sometimes you find that some like your location and others do not. Some will tolerate more sun that others. Some will have hardier roots than others. Any ivy will work as landscape ivy. I recommend buying ivies in the largest pots possible and plant them into the ground. They have a much larger root mass and are better equipped to handle the transition. Generally the darker green the more sun it can tolerate but I have had several variegated ivies that were perfectly happy in full sun at the coast of California.
FERTILIZE
Landscape ivy should be fertilized about once per year to keep it green. Use liquid or granular and chose something with high nitrogen for foliage growth and not flowering.
WATER
Generally, once an ivy is established in the landscape it is pretty drought tolerant. I would still recommend a weekly, bi-weekly deep watering during the hotter months. This helps to keep the ivy in the best shape to avoid problems.
PRUNE
Ivies can be a wonderful addition to the landscape but it is important to keep them under control. I recommend pruning twice per year. Just after the first flush of growth and again after the growing season. Ivy respond well to trimming and pruning. You can cut them back really hard to almost 10% of their foliage and they will return. I would not cut them that hard each time but you can do that probably every couple of years if needed. In the spring I like to give a hard prune and clean out any dead debris, pick off brown leaves, and generally clean up the plant and help avoid pests and deceases during the year.
May
BUY
Ivy is available as a house plant all year around and it does not matter when you buy it if you are not planting in the ground. House plant ivy is usually grown in 4" pots and 6"/8" hanging baskets. It is best to buy groundcover ivy or landscape ivy in the late fall just before our winter rains. Landscape Ivy is available in most nurseries many months during the year and is sold in nursery flats. Generally this ivy is not labeled and is often a combination of varieties. Generally, they are the hardiest ivies and do make a great groundcover. Look closely to be sure it is only one variety. If there is more than one variety sometimes you find that some like your location and others do not. Some will tolerate more sun that others. Some will have hardier roots than others. Any ivy will work as landscape ivy. I recommend buying ivies in the largest pots possible and plant them into the ground. They have a much larger root mass and are better equipped to handle the transition. Generally the darker green the more sun it can tolerate but I have had several variegated ivies that were perfectly happy in full sun at the coast of California.
WATER
Generally, once an ivy is established in the landscape it is pretty drought tolerant. I would still recommend a weekly, bi-weekly deep watering during the hotter months. This helps to keep the ivy in the best shape to avoid problems.
PRUNE
Ivies can be a wonderful addition to the landscape but it is important to keep them under control. I recommend pruning twice per year. Just after the first flush of growth and again after the growing season. Ivy respond well to trimming and pruning. You can cut them back really hard to almost 10% of their foliage and they will return. I would not cut them that hard each time but you can do that probably every couple of years if needed. In the spring I like to give a hard prune and clean out any dead debris, pick off brown leaves, and generally clean up the plant and help avoid pests and deceases during the year.
PEST/DISEASE INSPECTION
In early spring after the first big flush of growth and the weather warms look for aphids on ivy. Generally if you see aphids on landscape or outdoor ivy, wait about two to three weeks as there is a natural predator that comes along and take care of the aphid problem. You can tell if this tiny wasp is present because you will see these tiny hard pearl-gray colored balls on the plant. The wasp stings the aphid, lays it's eggs in the fleshy body and kills off the aphid.
PROPAGATE
Ivy is easy to propagate by soft tissue stem cuttings. Stick the cuttings in a light weight highly organic rooting or potting mix. Make sure the soil stays evenly moist, the humidity is high and the cuttings are shaded. Roots will start in 2-5 weeks.
June
BUY
Ivy is available as a house plant all year around and it does not matter when you buy it if you are not planting in the ground. House plant ivy is usually grown in 4" pots and 6"/8" hanging baskets. It is best to buy groundcover ivy or landscape ivy in the late fall just before our winter rains. Landscape Ivy is available in most nurseries many months during the year and is sold in nursery flats. Generally this ivy is not labeled and is often a combination of varieties. Generally, they are the hardiest ivies and do make a great groundcover. Look closely to be sure it is only one variety. If there is more than one variety sometimes you find that some like your location and others do not. Some will tolerate more sun that others. Some will have hardier roots than others. Any ivy will work as landscape ivy. I recommend buying ivies in the largest pots possible and plant them into the ground. They have a much larger root mass and are better equipped to handle the transition. Generally the darker green the more sun it can tolerate but I have had several variegated ivies that were perfectly happy in full sun at the coast of California.
WATER
Generally, once an ivy is established in the landscape it is pretty drought tolerant. I would still recommend a weekly, bi-weekly deep watering during the hotter months. This helps to keep the ivy in the best shape to avoid problems.
PRUNE
Ivies can be a wonderful addition to the landscape but it is important to keep them under control. I recommend pruning twice per year. Just after the first flush of growth and again after the growing season. Ivy respond well to trimming and pruning. You can cut them back really hard to almost 10% of their foliage and they will return. I would not cut them that hard each time but you can do that probably every couple of years if needed. In the spring I like to give a hard prune and clean out any dead debris, pick off brown leaves, and generally clean up the plant and help avoid pests and deceases during the year.
PEST/DISEASE INSPECTION
July
BUY
Ivy is available as a house plant all year around and it does not matter when you buy it if you are not planting in the ground. House plant ivy is usually grown in 4" pots and 6"/8" hanging baskets. It is best to buy groundcover ivy or landscape ivy in the late fall just before our winter rains. Landscape Ivy is available in most nurseries many months during the year and is sold in nursery flats. Generally this ivy is not labeled and is often a combination of varieties. Generally, they are the hardiest ivies and do make a great groundcover. Look closely to be sure it is only one variety. If there is more than one variety sometimes you find that some like your location and others do not. Some will tolerate more sun that others. Some will have hardier roots than others. Any ivy will work as landscape ivy. I recommend buying ivies in the largest pots possible and plant them into the ground. They have a much larger root mass and are better equipped to handle the transition. Generally the darker green the more sun it can tolerate but I have had several variegated ivies that were perfectly happy in full sun at the coast of California.
WATER
Generally, once an ivy is established in the landscape it is pretty drought tolerant. I would still recommend a weekly, bi-weekly deep watering during the hotter months. This helps to keep the ivy in the best shape to avoid problems.
PEST/DISEASE INSPECTION
In July when the summer has turned hot and dry watch for Red Spider Mites. These are very tiny spider-like insects that generally live on the underside of the leaf. You may need a magnifying glass to see them. The best way to control mites is by using a strong water spray from the garden hose, making sure to hit the undersides. Mites hate cold water and generally they are washed away. This will need to be repeated every 7-10 days.
August
BUY
Ivy is available as a house plant all year around and it does not matter when you buy it if you are not planting in the ground. House plant ivy is usually grown in 4" pots and 6"/8" hanging baskets. It is best to buy groundcover ivy or landscape ivy in the late fall just before our winter rains. Landscape Ivy is available in most nurseries many months during the year and is sold in nursery flats. Generally this ivy is not labeled and is often a combination of varieties. Generally, they are the hardiest ivies and do make a great groundcover. Look closely to be sure it is only one variety. If there is more than one variety sometimes you find that some like your location and others do not. Some will tolerate more sun that others. Some will have hardier roots than others. Any ivy will work as landscape ivy. I recommend buying ivies in the largest pots possible and plant them into the ground. They have a much larger root mass and are better equipped to handle the transition. Generally the darker green the more sun it can tolerate but I have had several variegated ivies that were perfectly happy in full sun at the coast of California.
WATER
Generally, once an ivy is established in the landscape it is pretty drought tolerant. I would still recommend a weekly, bi-weekly deep watering during the hotter months. This helps to keep the ivy in the best shape to avoid problems.
PEST/DISEASE INSPECTION
Red Spider Mites
September
BUY
Ivy is available as a house plant all year around and it does not matter when you buy it if you are not planting in the ground. House plant ivy is usually grown in 4" pots and 6"/8" hanging baskets. It is best to buy groundcover ivy or landscape ivy in the late fall just before our winter rains. Landscape Ivy is available in most nurseries many months during the year and is sold in nursery flats. Generally this ivy is not labeled and is often a combination of varieties. Generally, they are the hardiest ivies and do make a great groundcover. Look closely to be sure it is only one variety. If there is more than one variety sometimes you find that some like your location and others do not. Some will tolerate more sun that others. Some will have hardier roots than others. Any ivy will work as landscape ivy. I recommend buying ivies in the largest pots possible and plant them into the ground. They have a much larger root mass and are better equipped to handle the transition. Generally the darker green the more sun it can tolerate but I have had several variegated ivies that were perfectly happy in full sun at the coast of California.
WATER
Generally, once an ivy is established in the landscape it is pretty drought tolerant. I would still recommend a weekly, bi-weekly deep watering during the hotter months. This helps to keep the ivy in the best shape to avoid problems.
PEST/DISEASE INSPECTION
Red Spider Mites
October
BUY
Ivy is available as a house plant all year around and it does not matter when you buy it if you are not planting in the ground. House plant ivy is usually grown in 4" pots and 6"/8" hanging baskets. It is best to buy groundcover ivy or landscape ivy in the late fall just before our winter rains. Landscape Ivy is available in most nurseries many months during the year and is sold in nursery flats. Generally this ivy is not labeled and is often a combination of varieties. Generally, they are the hardiest ivies and do make a great groundcover. Look closely to be sure it is only one variety. If there is more than one variety sometimes you find that some like your location and others do not. Some will tolerate more sun that others. Some will have hardier roots than others. Any ivy will work as landscape ivy. I recommend buying ivies in the largest pots possible and plant them into the ground. They have a much larger root mass and are better equipped to handle the transition. Generally the darker green the more sun it can tolerate but I have had several variegated ivies that were perfectly happy in full sun at the coast of California.
WATER
Generally, once an ivy is established in the landscape it is pretty drought tolerant. I would still recommend a weekly, bi-weekly deep watering during the hotter months. This helps to keep the ivy in the best shape to avoid problems.
PRUNE
After the summer growing season, cut ivy back to control.
PEST/DISEASE INSPECTION
Red Spider Mites
November
BUY
IIvy is available as a house plant all year around and it does not matter when you buy it if you are not planting in the ground. House plant ivy is usually grown in 4" pots and 6"/8" hanging baskets. It is best to buy groundcover ivy or landscape ivy in the late fall just before our winter rains. Landscape Ivy is available in most nurseries many months during the year and is sold in nursery flats. Generally this ivy is not labeled and is often a combination of varieties. Generally, they are the hardiest ivies and do make a great groundcover. Look closely to be sure it is only one variety. If there is more than one variety sometimes you find that some like your location and others do not. Some will tolerate more sun that others. Some will have hardier roots than others. Any ivy will work as landscape ivy. I recommend buying ivies in the largest pots possible and plant them into the ground. They have a much larger root mass and are better equipped to handle the transition. Generally the darker green the more sun it can tolerate but I have had several variegated ivies that were perfectly happy in full sun at the coast of California.
PLANT
When planting into the landscape it is best to do it just before the winter rains and during shorter days. If planted in late winter early spring, water in deeply and keep soil moist, not soggy, for the first few weeks to allow the roots to get established. It may take landscape ivy a full year to really get established and start growing. Once ivy is well established it can be very drought tolerant as long as it is acclimated gradually.
WATER
When planting new ivies it is important to keep the soil evenly moist and avoid dry out. At first, depending on location, sun exposure, soil type and wind conditions you may need to check daily and gradually taper off how often to monitor. It is a good idea to give ivy a little TLC the first two years.
PRUNE
After the summer growing season, cut ivy back to control.
MULCH
You may want to mulch newly planted ivy to help hold moisture in the soil.
December
BUY
Ivy is available as a house plant all year around and it does not matter when you buy it if you are not planting in the ground. House plant ivy is usually grown in 4" pots and 6"/8" hanging baskets. It is best to buy groundcover ivy or landscape ivy in the late fall just before our winter rains. Landscape Ivy is available in most nurseries many months during the year and is sold in nursery flats. Generally this ivy is not labeled and is often a combination of varieties. Generally, they are the hardiest ivies and do make a great groundcover. Look closely to be sure it is only one variety. If there is more than one variety sometimes you find that some like your location and others do not. Some will tolerate more sun that others. Some will have hardier roots than others. Any ivy will work as landscape ivy. I recommend buying ivies in the largest pots possible and plant them into the ground. They have a much larger root mass and are better equipped to handle the transition. Generally the darker green the more sun it can tolerate but I have had several variegated ivies that were perfectly happy in full sun at the coast of California.
PLANT
When planting into the landscape it is best to do it just before the winter rains and during shorter days. If planted in late winter early spring, water in deeply and keep soil moist, not soggy, for the first few weeks to allow the roots to get established. It may take landscape ivy a full year to really get established and start growing. Once ivy is well established it can be very drought tolerant as long as it is acclimated gradually.
WATER
When planting new ivies it is important to keep the soil evenly moist and avoid dry out. At first, depending on location, sun exposure, soil type and wind conditions you may need to check daily and gradually taper off how often to monitor. It is a good idea to give ivy a little TLC the first two years.
PRUNE
After the summer growing season, cut ivy back to control.
MULCH
If you have information like this for your region and would like to share it please let us know, we'll be sure to give you writing credit and link back to your website! Click here to contact us.
You can get these instructions sent directly to your Profile page, click here to learn how.
- You can get Plant Care Reminders sent directly to your Profile page, learn how.
- See all of Liliana's Monthly Plant Care Reminders here.
- See all available Plant Care Reminders at the Plant Care Hub here.
- Search for plant care alphabetically here.
- Add Hedera helix to one of your plant lists, learn how.
- Search our plant database for photos and more great information here.
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