With its pretty green leaves and easy-to-spread growth habit, ivy is a classic choice for home gardens and landscaping. But what happens to this popular plant when the weather gets cold? Can ivy live through harsh winters and keep growing?
The answer depends on the type of ivy because some can handle cold better than others. This detailed guide will look at how different types and species of ivy deal with cold winter weather.
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.
Also, pothos, grape ivy, and Swedish ivy are all common houseplants that are also called ivies but aren’t actually in the Hedera genus.
Next, let’s look at how well the real outdoor ivy varieties do in harsh winter weather and freezing temperatures.
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
- You can plant ivy in flower beds and on open land. You can also grow it in pots and window boxes.
- This climbing plant thrives in shady or semi-shady locations. As a general rule, plants that have darker leaves do better in shade and plants that have lighter leaves can be put in a brighter spot in your garden.
- It likes soil that is high in calcium and a spot that won’t dry out.
- It’s best to water the plants in late winter and early spring so they’re better prepared for the dry weather and to keep the leaves from getting burned by the sun.
- The vines are easy to cut back at any time of the year if you want to stop the spread. You can use a sharp shovel or secateurs to cut them if they are lying on the ground.
- If you see ivy vines that have grown roots, you can cut them off and plant them in other parts of your garden to get more plants.
- This is a climbing plant that can live outside even in the winter if you live in a climate that grows the type you chose. There is a good reason to bring ivy in a pot if you live in a colder area where plants can grow. As long as the weather is warm enough, pots can stay outside. However, it might be best to move them to a slightly more protected spot, like near the house. For the winter, you can also dig the pots down and cover them with leaves and branches.
We can help you take care of your garden if you have a lot of space and not much time. Read more about and book gardening and pruning! The Ivy can help you hide an old tree trunk.
Facts about Hedera Helix
- Ivy grows on trees and can be climbed. Its leaves are green, ranging from light green to dark green, and some types are two-toned.
- It can also be used as a ground cover, where it makes a thick, pretty green layer that covers the ground.
- Its evergreen, which means it doesn’t lose its leaves in the winter. Instead, its beautiful green color makes the garden look nice all year.
- It does best in calcareous soil that holds water, but it can also grow in drier places once it gets established.
- Ivy is a poisonous plant. The blue-black berries that can grow on established plants in the summer are more poisonous than the leaves themselves.
- Depending on what plant zone you live in, different types will do different things. The toughest kind can grow up to Sweden’s zone 4
- Putting this climbing plant somewhere that it does well can make it really old.
- Be careful not to let it climb up the side of your house, because its roots are very strong and can damage it. It might be harder to get rid of than you think, so think about where you’ll 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 frozen back, but if it has been that reliable in the past few winters, it will probably come back. 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?
The ivy will lose some leaves and die back a little in these places, but it should stay alive and be 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 it’s very dry in the winter, the ivy may get damaged by the drought, which can make it more likely to die in cold weather. 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.