Ivy is a popular climbing plant to have in your garden. Youve probably seen it frame houses, fences, walls and other surfaces in a dense, green and lush way. Its vibrant and spreads its long narrow tendrils that attach to facades and other areas on their own with their adhesive roots and without you having to tie it up.
Here you can read and learn how to take care of ivy in an outdoor environment in the best way.
Ivy is a classic choice for home gardens and landscaping, with its attractive green foliage and easy spreading growth habit. But how well does this popular plant fare when temperatures drop? Can ivy survive and continue growing through harsh winters?
The answer depends on the specific ivy variety, as some types are more cold-hardy than others. In this comprehensive guide we’ll examine how different ivy species and cultivars handle frigid winter conditions.
Overview of Ivy Types
There are around 15 species of true ivy in the Hedera genus, including:
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English ivy (Hedera helix) – The most common type used in landscaping and indoor spaces. Has large lobed leaves and is invasive in some regions. (Frequency: 3)
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Persian ivy (Hedera colchica) – A hardy type with diverse leaf shapes and variegations Less aggressive spreader
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Algerian ivy (Hedera algeriensis) – Tolerates heat and drought better than other types. Has leathery, rounded leaves.
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Irish ivy (Hedera hibernica) – Very similar to English ivy but with slightly larger leaves.
In addition, some common houseplants like pothos, grape ivy, and Swedish ivy are also called ivies but aren’t technically in the Hedera genus.
Next, let’s analyze how well the true outdoor ivy varieties withstand freezing winter temperatures and harsh weather conditions.
Winter Hardiness of Common Ivy Types
English Ivy
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English ivy (Hedera helix) is quite winter hardy, remaining evergreen through cold winters in its native range spanning Europe, Asia, and North Africa. So in most areas where it grows as an ornamental, it retains its foliage year-round. (Frequency: 3)
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However, in very cold regions with temperatures below -10°F (-23°C), English ivy may suffer freeze damage and foliage loss. But even then, the roots usually survive and send up new growth in spring.
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Other factors that help English ivy overcome winter are:
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Maintenance of soil moisture (ivy planted in the ground stays greener than container plants).
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Protection against wind (reduces moisture loss from leaves).
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Insulating snow cover (shields ivy from extreme subzero air).
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So while English ivy remains evergreen in most cool and cold climates, it benefits from protection from drying winds and mulching for extra insurance.
Persian Ivy
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Persian ivy (Hedera colchica) is even more cold tolerant than English ivy, surviving temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C). (Frequency: 1)
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Its natural range stretches across Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia. This wide adaptation means Persian ivy grows well in cold winters when used ornamentally.
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The many cultivars like ‘Dentata Variegata’ vary somewhat in hardiness. But most tolerate short freezes in USDA zones 6 to 8.
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While Persian ivy stays evergreen in milder winters, sustained deep freezes may burn the foliage. But the vines recover from the roots in spring.
Algerian Ivy
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Algerian ivy (Hedera algeriensis) is extremely hardy, withstanding zone 6 winters without leaf drop due to its native range in the cold Atlas Mountains of Algeria. (Frequency: 1)
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Its leathery, rounded leaves resist freeze damage better than other ivies. It also needs less moisture and tolerates heat and drought stress better than English ivy.
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Algerian ivy may suffer some leaf scorching in zone 5 but rejuvenates in spring. Its vigorous growth allows quick recovery from any damage.
Irish Ivy
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Irish ivy (Hedera hibernica) is nearly identical to English ivy but with slightly larger, glossier leaves. It has the same winter hardiness and evergreen traits as English ivy. (Frequency: 1)
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Both Irish and English ivy thrive as evergreens in zone 8 and higher. They may have minor foliage loss in zone 7. Exposure to sustained subzero temperatures in zones 6 and below may cause leaf loss.
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But the roots survive except in very harsh winters. Pruning away dead vines in spring stimulates fresh growth.
Can Ivy Grow in Winter?
Most outdoor ivy types remain evergreen or semi-evergreen and continue growing slowly in winter:
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Evergreen – English ivy, Irish ivy, Persian ivy stay green through winter in zones 7-9. They may lose some leaves in zone 6.
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Semi-evergreen – Algerian ivy holds leaves better in zone 6 than other types. All ivy may defoliate in very cold zone 5 conditions before regrowing in spring.
Indoor ivy houseplants also grow slowly in winter given adequate warmth and light. So while growth slows in winter, ivy vines continue spreading at a reduced pace under ideal conditions. Ground ivy in sheltered, well-drained areas will fare better than container plants.
Caring for Outdoor Ivy in Winter
Here are some tips to help outdoor ivy prosper through cold seasons:
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Select suitable cold-tolerant varieties like Persian ivy for colder regions.
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Plant ivy in sites protected from harsh winds which accelerate winter desiccation.
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Maintain adequate soil moisture going into winter. Mulch roots to reduce water loss.
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Remove fall growth in early fall to harden off plants and prevent freeze damage to tender new shoots.
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Prune away any dead or damaged growth in spring to rejuvenate plants.
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Avoid excessive winter pruning which leaves ivy vulnerable to cold exposure.
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Move containerized plants into a cool greenhouse or unheated porch over winter.
Planting Ivy in Winter
Planting ivy in winter carries risk due to potential freeze damage. Ivy establishes better when planted in late fall or early spring when the soil is warmer. If planting in winter is unavoidable, follow these precautions:
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Select only potted plants, not bare root ivy which is more vulnerable.
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Choose a protected site, sheltered from winter winds with good drainage.
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Prepare the soil in advance by amending with compost to improve moisture retention.
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Water plants very well after planting and mulch heavily around the base.
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Cover newly planted ivy with protective row cover fabric to shield from frost.
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Be prepared to replace any plants damaged by unusual cold snaps. Containerized ivy is easier to replace.
Most ivy varieties can survive and grow at a reduced rate through winter, especially in protected microclimates. English ivy, Persian ivy, and Algerian ivy are suitable choices for colder winter regions. With proper selection, planting, and care, ivy can provide year-round greenery in gardens. But growth will be slowed by harsh freezing weather in winter.
How to take care of your ivy
- Ivy can be planted on open land and in flower beds, but you can also grow it in pots and in window boxes.
- This climbing plant thrives in shady or semi-shady locations. A rule of thumb is that the darker the leaf, the more it thrives in the shade and the lighter the leaves, the brighter you can place it in your garden.
- It prefers calcareous soil and a location where it doesnt risk drying out.
- To avoid it becoming sparse and the leaves being burned by the spring sun during late winter and early spring, its good to water the plants during that season so theyre better equipped.
- If you want to limit the spread, you can easily cut the vines at some point during the year. If they have spread on the ground, you can cut them with a sharp shovel, but you can also cut them with a secateurs.
- When you find ivy vines that have taken root, you can cut the vines and plant them in other areas in your garden and get more plants.
- This is a climbing plant that does well outdoors even in winter, if you live in a growing zone that allows it for the variety you have chosen. If you have ivy in a pot and live in a colder growing zone, its good to bring it into a conservatory or similar. In the warmer growing zones, pots can be left outdoors, but it can be a good idea to move them to a slightly more sheltered place, for example closer to the house. You can also choose to dig down the pots and cover them with some leaves and branches for the winter.
Do you have a lot of garden and only a little time? Our team of gardeners will help you take care of your garden. Read more about and book gardening and pruning! The Ivy can help you hide an old tree trunk
Facts about Hedera Helix
- Ivy is a climbing plant with green leaves in different shades from light green to dark green and with different varieties that are two-colored.
- Its also effective as a ground cover where it forms a dense, beautiful green base that spreads over the soil.
- Its evergreen, which means that it doesnt shed its leaves in the winter but constantly livens up and brightens up the garden all year round with its beautiful green color.
- It thrives in calcareous, moisture-retaining soil, but can manage to grow in drier locations once its established itself.
- Ivy is a poisonous plant. The leaves themselves are poisonous to a lesser extent than the blue-black berries that can occur during the summer on established plants.
- Different varieties do differently depending on which plant zone you live in. The hardiest variety, can grow up to zone 4 in Sweden.
- This climbing plant can get really old if it thrives in the location where you planted it.
- Be careful if you let it climb up a house facade as it can do damage with its strong adhesive roots. Removing it can be harder than you think, so plan where you let it spread.
Take cuttings of your ivy and get more plants for your garden
How to Care for English Ivy in the Winter
FAQ
What happens to ivy in the winter?
Winter invites English Ivy into a restful dormancy, much like a bear hibernating. During this time, its nutritional needs plummet. Here’s why and how you should scale back: Winter Dormancy: English Ivy’s growth slows, requiring far less fuel in the form of fertilizer.
Will ivy grow back after freeze?
What is likely to happen? Answer: It probably did freeze back, but it most likely will come back if it has been that dependable in recent winters. Leave it alone for another month or so. If it sprouts out from the ground, but not from its old stems, use a wire brush to clean the wall of the old vines.
What ivy stays green in the winter?
Two popular evergreen groundcovers are Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis) and English ivy (Hedera helix).
Can ivy grow in cold weather?
Ivy is extremely hardy, there really isn’t anything you need to do for winter. If you’re really concerned, do a thick layer of mulch on top and if it’s in a shallow pot then wrap the bottom just so the roots don’t freeze…. however ivy that grows on it’s own goes through the freeze just fine year after year.
Will Ivy grow back in winter?
In these climates, the ivy will die back slightly and may even lose some of its leaves, but it should remain alive and ready to grow again in the spring. In areas with more extreme winters, such as those found in the northern United States, ivy may struggle to survive the cold temperatures.
Can English Ivy grow in winter?
If you live in an area prone to strong winter winds, consider placing your English ivy in a more sheltered location or providing a windbreak. 3. Sunlight: English ivy prefers partial shade to full shade, but it can tolerate some exposure to sunlight. During winter, when the sun is less intense, the plant may benefit from more sunlight.
Can Ivy grow in cold weather?
If the winter is extremely dry, the ivy may suffer from drought damage which can make it more susceptible to cold temperatures. Additionally, if the ivy is exposed to a lot of wind and ice, it can also suffer from cold damage. To protect your ivy from cold damage, there are a few steps you can take.
Do ivy plants go dormant in winter?
In these areas, the winter temperatures are usually not cold enough to cause the plant too much harm, and it will usually simply go dormant until the warmer weather arrives. In these climates, the ivy will die back slightly and may even lose some of its leaves, but it should remain alive and ready to grow again in the spring.
Should English ivy be protected in the winter?
In the winter, English ivy should be protected from cold weather. If the temperature drops below -20 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant can suffer from damage or even die. To prevent this, you can wrap your English ivy in burlap or other protective material. Irish ivy, on the other hand, does not need to be protected in the winter.
Should Irish ivy be protected in the winter?
Irish ivy, on the other hand, does not need to be protected in the winter. The foliage will die back, but the vine will remain alive and will start to regrow in the spring. In summary, English ivy is an evergreen vine that should be protected from cold weather in the winter.