What soil does Common ivy grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

When does Common ivy flower?

Flowering: September–October, yellow, green.

How much water does Common ivy need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Common ivy cost?

It sells for roughly €3.90 to €28 in local shops, depending on size.

Common ivy

Hedera helix

Common ivy (Hedera helix) is a climber. Light: full sun, part shade, shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about €3.90.

Illustration of Common ivy — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Common ivy provides year-round greenery over shady ground, fences and walls. Keep its vigorous growth within bounds with regular trimming, and avoid letting it climb damaged render or cracked masonry. Small autumn flowers appear on mature, untrimmed growth and provide valuable food for pollinators.

Watch out for

Trailing stems root along the ground and can overrun neighbouring beds. Growth can exploit existing wall cracks and enter gutters or roof spaces, although sound masonry is generally unharmed. Published hardiness ratings differ substantially, so winter foliage damage should be anticipated in cold, exposed positions.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 10 m × 3 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D September–October, yellow, green

Group	Climber
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	10 m × 3 m
Ultimate size	8–15 m × 2.5–4 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	September–October, yellow, green
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Medium
Suckering	no
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	60 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €3.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-30 cm	approx. €3.90
35-40 cm	approx. €14
40-50 cm	approx. €19
60-80 cm	approx. €14
80-100 cm	approx. €13
100-125 cm	approx. €28
size not stated	approx. €4 – €24

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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