What to Plant With English Ivy? - HousePlantsInfo.com

Regarding green plants, English ivy has to be one of the easiest ones to care for. It’s a vine that grows quickly and easily attaches itself to just about anything, so it’s perfect for covering up an ugly wall or tree. But what to plant with English ivy?

Many plants can be planted with English ivy, and it is important to select the right ones to ensure a healthy, thriving garden.

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What Grows Well with English Ivy

If you’re looking for a fast-growing, low-maintenance ground cover, English ivy (Hedera helix) is a great option. This evergreen vine thrives in shady areas and can quickly cover bare patches of earth. But what grows well with English ivy? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Periwinkle

It is a fact that periwinkle grows well with English ivy. This is because the two plants share similar growing conditions and have many of the same requirements. Periwinkle prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, which are also ideal for English ivy.

Furthermore, periwinkle can tolerate low light levels and even some degree of drought, which is common in areas where English ivy grows.

The main reason why these two plants grow so well together is that they are both vines. This means they share a similar growth habit and can easily twine around each other as they grow.

This close relationship between the two plants allows them to support each other and create a stronger overall structure.

Furthermore, both plants are known for tolerating various environmental conditions. This means they can survive in areas where the soil quality is poor and the light levels are low.

As a result, these two plants can often outcompete other vegetation and take over an area.

Finally, periwinkle and English ivy both have very dense growth habits. This means they can quickly cover an area and create a thick mat of vegetation. This dense growth habit helps suppress other plants’ growth and can even prevent weeds from taking root.

Ajuga

The soil beneath Ajuga plants is often dense and compacted, making it difficult for other plants to compete.

English ivy (Hedera helix) is the perfect plant to pair with Ajuga because its roots can penetrate and loosen compacted soils. This allows the Ajuga to gain a better foothold, and the ivy’s growth also helps to keep weeds at bay.

The dense foliage of English ivy also provides shade for Ajuga plants, which helps to keep them cool and moist during hot summer days. Additionally, the trailing vines of the ivy can help create a ground cover that suppresses weed growth.

Ajuga and English ivy make a great team because they benefit from each other’s presence. The Ajuga provides the ivy with a place to climb and spread, while the ivy helps to keep the Ajuga groundcover healthy and vigorous.

Liriope

Liriope and English ivy are great choices for ground cover in shady areas. But why do they work so well together?

For one, they both have similar growing habits. Liriope forms dense clumps of grass-like foliage, while English ivy has a vining growth habit. This means that they will fill in any empty spaces in your landscape quickly and effectively.

Another reason why these two plants work well together is that they have similar light requirements. Both liriope and English ivy prefer partial to full shade, so they will not compete for sunlight in your landscape.

Finally, these two plants also share similar soil preferences. Both liriope and English ivy prefer moist, well-drained soils. This means that they will not compete for water or nutrients in your landscape.

So, if you are looking for a low-maintenance, fast-growing ground cover for your landscape, consider planting liriope and English ivy together. You will not be disappointed!

Columbine

Many people turn to English ivy when finding the perfect ground cover for their garden. This tough and versatile plant can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, making it an ideal choice for gardens in both sun and shade.

Columbine is another great option for groundcover; these two plants make great companions. Here’s a look at why columbine grows so well with English ivy.

English ivy is known for spreading and covering large areas quickly. This makes it ideal for preventing erosion on slopes or filling in bare spots in the garden.

Columbine, on the other hand, has a more delicate growth habit. Its dainty flowers and foliage add a touch of elegance to the garden, and its tall stature makes it a great focal point.

But what makes these two plants such a perfect match is their ability to tolerate various growing conditions. English ivy can thrive in full and deep sun, while columbine prefers full sun but also does well in partial shade.

This means they can be planted in areas where other plants might struggle.

Additionally, columbine is relatively drought tolerant, while English ivy needs regular watering. This makes them a good choice for gardens that don’t get a lot of rain or irrigation.

So if you’re looking for a tough groundcover plant that can also add some beauty to your garden, consider planting some English Ivy and Columbine together.

Bleeding Heart

The bleeding heart is a great choice if you’re looking for a plant that will grow well with English ivy. This plant is known for its heart-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of pink, white, and red. The blooms appear in early spring and last until summer.

The bleeding heart is a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require much care. It’s also tolerant of shade, which makes it a good option for growing under English ivy. When planting bleeding hearts, keep them away from areas where they may get too much sun or wind exposure.

This plant does best in moist, well-drained soil. If you live in an area with high humidity, you may need to water the plant more frequently.

The plant will go dormant during the winter, and the leaves will turn brown. Cut back the dead leaves in spring to encourage new growth.

Varieties of Ivies

There are wide varieties of ivy, and they can all make great companions for English ivy. Here are some of the most popular types of ivies:

Boston Ivy

To get the most out of your English ivy, it’s essential to choose the right companion plants. Boston ivy is a perfect partner for English ivy.

These two vines share many common traits, including their love of the partial sun and moist, well-drained soil. They also have beautiful foliage that can provide year-round interest in the garden.

Persian Ivy

Persian ivy is a great option for plants that grow well with English Ivy. This plant is drought tolerant and does well in shady areas – making it the perfect companion for English ivy.

Persian ivy can also help to create a dense ground cover, which can help to prevent weeds from taking over your garden.

Irish Ivy

Irish ivy is a beautiful, evergreen vine that can add interest and texture to any garden. It’s also one of the best plants to grow with English ivy, as the two have similar growing habits and preferences.

Is the English Ivy Plant Poisonous?

Yes, the English Ivy plant is poisonous. All parts of the plant contain a toxic compound called azaleatin. This compound can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting if ingested. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney damage or even death.

Symptoms typically appear within two hours of ingestion and can last several days. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested English Ivy.

While English Ivy is not typically fatal to humans, it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions to some people.

The best way to avoid these problems is to avoid encountering the plant simply. If you must work with English Ivy, wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your skin, and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after working with the plant.

Will English Ivy Kill Other Plants?

As you might guess from its name, English ivy (Hedera helix) is originally from Europe. It’s a very aggressive plant and has now naturalized in many parts of the world, including North America.

English ivy can be a real problem in gardens and landscapes because it grows vigorously and can quickly overwhelm other plants.

So, the short answer to the question “will English ivy kill other plants?” is yes, it definitely can.

If you have English ivy growing in your garden, you’ll need to keep a close eye on it and remove any stems that start encroaching on other plants. Otherwise, you could end up with a very one-sided garden!

The Bottom Line

As you can see, English ivy is a versatile plant that can be used in various ways to accent your landscape. With its ornate leaves and vigorous growth habit, it’s no wonder this plant is a popular choice for gardeners.

When it comes to planting English ivy, the options are endless. Whether you want to create a border in your garden or add some greenery to your home, plenty of plants pair well with this versatile vine.