Ivy PlantWhenever I think of an Ivy plant my thoughts go directly to either an English or Thorndale Ivy as these to me is what this family is all about. There are several cultivars of each and all are evergreen thus giving us color all through the year. My wife and I had a small log home built on two acres in 1990. Shortly after our home was completed, I wanted a ground cover that would thrive in the shade and provide interest in color, form and texture so various members of the Ivy family were planted.
Both English and Thorndale varieties have thrived so well that their range has extended thirty to forty feet out into the green belt area. You will probably need to prune your Ivies back from growing on your home and it is best not to allow them to climb your trees. Ivies if allowed to remain for a long period of time can damage your shade and ornamental trees but I must admit that I enjoy gazing out at the green belt and seeing evergreen vines climbing well into the tops of several trees. Ivies can create a unique and very special environment when allowed to climb and make themselves at home on just the right style of dwelling. My wife and I for many years loved the sight of an ivy covered cottage in Tulsa, Oklahoma which was located on Sheridan Avenue. In our opinion it out shined all of the high dollar homes in the neighborhood. We later learned that many years earlier in its history the little cottage had been a hat factory and turned out quality products. I can’t begin to tell you how sad we were when one day we drove by and this beautiful little structure had been torn down in the so called name of progress. We suggest that you consider making your selections from the following excellent evergreen ivies and learn to use them in numerous themes in your landscape.
Hedera All of the above are listed as being hardy as far to the north as zone 5.
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