One of the better known ivies, English ivy (Hedera helix), features small leaves that create a fine-textured ground cover. I mean can't they afford to get some weed killer and take care of that? Established 25 Years. There is a baseball park in the Major Leagues that has ivy on the outfield wall. Although ivy is well known for its ability to climb walls, trellises, and other structures, it can also grow well from hanging baskets and in large pots. There are several types that you can turn depending on your needs. American ivy Society likes moist, shady areas near trees or shrubs shade ground cover, but ground ivy: identification. Hardy, variegated ivy, holds it color. There are five major varieties of ivy plant, i.e. The ground covering plants I have listed here are Ideal for covering large or small areas of ground for decorative purposes or suppressing weeds. is an aromatic, perennial, evergreen creeper of the mint family Lamiaceae. Russian Ivy. Ground Cover Florida Since the cost of maintaining a lawn has risen and time or effort needed to keep it in good shape, some homeowners are reducing size by replacing some areas with ground cover. The botanical name for ivy referred to on this page is Hedera and it includes the native climber English ivy (Hedera helix). Quite possibly the dumbest question you guys may ever encounter-- is this poison ivy, a ground cover, or some type of weed? Wikibuy Review: A Free Tool That Saves You Time and Money, 15 Creative Ways to Save Money That Actually Work. We are more familiar with the ivy plant as ground and wall covers. It has Ground Ivy or Creeping Charlie Lawn Weed Identification & Control Tips. It benefits from being displayed as a specimen, on a columnar support, rather than being expected to cover a vertical flat plane. If you’d like to provide year-round cover for a particular garden area, turn to evergreen groundcover varieties for the job. Batch Download Slideshow Add Image to Cart They mostly thrive in cottage banks, sloped areas and in garden patios. English ivy is a popular choice for ground cover. Ground ivy has a long history of use in alternative medicine and as an edible herb, dating back to the first century A.D. it was long considered a panacea (cure-all). Quick to cover walls or ground, self-clinging Persian ivy needs careful consideration before planting, as it will keep going up to about 16 feet. In addition to offering year-round color, flowering vines can be used to screen a view, shade a private spot in … With careful attention, you can get rid of the ground covers and save the surrounding plants. However, in your part of the country there are some types of Hedera that have become rather invasive as they love the climate and grow very rapidly. Generally, ivy grows well outside, particularly in native soils. Prefers some shade in zone 7-10. The most common type of ivy is English ivy; other types are quite rare, such as Cyprus ivy. Once the roots take hold, the evergreen vine needs very little water. There are a variety Perhaps Ivy? Ivy is a woody stemmed, self-clinging climber that can grow quickly into the canopy of a tree. Types of invasive ground cover plants include ivy, violets and various varieties of grasses. The ground cover ivy is fine. a law degree. Algerian ivy (Hedera canariensis), also known as canary ivy, sports larger leaves and includes variegated forms such as Gloire de Marngo. The best types of ground cover plants require little maintenance and aren’t invasive. It can thrive up to hardiness zone 3a. The Irish ivy (Hedera Hibernica) is a great type of ivy that grow outdoors to provide ground cover or climb up walls. Persian Ivy - Large, gold-marginated, 6"-8" long leaves, unlobed, slightly puckered and leathery. This species grows so prolifically that it is considered a noxious weed in some parts of the United States. Generally, the various types of ivy are named after their native countries. Glechoma hederacea (syn. Two popular types of ivy are Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and Boxton ivy (P. tricuspidata). While it can be grown as ground cover outdoors, Bettina ivy is an ideal type of ivy to keep in a small space, such as on a desk or counter. . The Algerian Ivy, or Hedera algeriensis, is also called the Canary island or the North African ivy, and it does best in zones 6-10.The Algerian ivy has leathery, lobed, dark-green leaves that have a high-gloss look and hardy stems with red tinges in them. Ivy is fairly simple to care for, and spreads with little effort. More than 400 cultivars of ivy exist in the world. The Bettina ivy variety of Hedera helix has green leaves with white edging. These Several versions of the Russian ivy can survive in zone 5 if you add mulch to keep the soil a … The most common type of ivy is English ivy; other types are quite rare, such as Cyprus ivy. Here are seven popular varieties to get you started. Ivy ‘Tussie Mussie’ looks as though it belongs in an Edwardian glasshouse. Other ground cover plants should be used where grass is difficult to grow or maintain.Unlike grass, most ground cover plants cannot be walked on. Share. This tool helps you do just that. Ground Ivy is essentially a vine that tends to grow close to the ground and will form a mat-like ground cover if allowed to. English ivy is a truly versatile plant. On a simplistic level, many people consider any evergreen plant that can climb to great heights to be a member of the ivy family. Within each of these categories, there are several additional types. Able to tolerate damper soil than most groundcovers, Creeping Jenny blooms with bright yellow flowers during the summer. In addition, Persian ivy has large leaves that are shaped like hearts, while the leaves of Cyprus ivy are much narrower. Ivy has dark green evergreen leaves and shoots attached by aerial roots to the surfaces it climbs over. The shade-tolerant clumps will multiply over the years. Perennial plants come back each year to provide visual interest, weed cover, and moisture retention. Known for its high vitamin C content, it is said to be one of the first There are only about a dozen different types of ivy that fall under the true genus name for ivy, Hedera. Nepeta x faassenii is one such species that does make for a good ground cover, since it has the ability to crowd out weeds. Ground ivy or creeping Charlie Glechoma hederacea Flowering ground ivy (creeping Charlie) Life cycle Perennial. Just give ivy some dappled to deep shade, and it will provide a cover of green quickly. Hedera, better known as ivy, are a genus of 12–15 species of climbing or ground-creeping woody plants that are native to Europe, Africa and Asia but are an invasive species in North America. Groundcover or ground cover is any plant that grows over an area of ground. To positively identify ground ivy is a perennial with creeping stems ( rhizomes ) that root at the. Chris Burrows/Getty Images When you buy Centaurea montana 'Amethyst in Snow', you may be thinking of it as an upright perennial plant with attractive flowers. There are many different variations to this plant. Not only do ground covers enhance the areas of your lawn where grass can be difficult to sustain, but they often require less water than grass and are a great way to prevent erosion in hilly areas. Hedra helix Needlepoint remains under 12 inches tall and is mostly low maintenance. Types of ivy ground cover. If you need to “carpet” an area of your garden that is subject to constant sun, then this variety of Veronica is a good landscaping choice. Roots as it spreads along ground. Ivy is a group of typically fast-growing vines from several genera. These are some popular flowering ground cover, Sweet woodruff, Violet, Poppy mallow, and Evening primrose. The best low-maintenance ground covers are well-behaved but spread readily to cover lots of ground. It's all over one of my flowerbeds (mixed in with hostas and epimedium) and covers most of the bed. Prostrate habit. One variety of plant can have different types of growth. I know the ivy is something they want, but I don't understand it. The ivy covers the walls in the outfield of Wrigley Field in Chicago. Grass is the best known ground cover, but grass is not suited to all locations. in English Literature, as well as With their hummingbird-attracting flowers, Salvia is a beautiful groundcover that appreciates full sun and a dry climate. I think the ivy looks great when it is green, but during the early spring it is still brown and just looks like dead vines hanging on the wall. It is problematic as ground cover because it is impossible to kill once established…. These 14 picks are vigorous but can be controlled. Tolerates dry periods/let soil dry out between waterings They do this by extending their reach above the ground. Spectacular groundcover or climber. Clumpers spread and increase in size each spring. !, called stolons combat ground ivy can be very invasive, overwhelming other plants that can in. They mostly thrive in cottage banks, sloped areas and in garden patios. For example, Himalayan ivy is known for its clusters of small yellow flowers and yellowish fruit that eventually turns dark in color. Q. I would like some advice on types of ivy to plant as ground cover.A. Growing on trees, it provides hiding, roosting, hibernating and nesting places for various animals, birds and insects (including butterflies ), particularly during the winter months and in areas where there are few other evergreens. Generally, the various types of ivy are named after their native countries. The Russian ivy, or Hedera pastuchovii, is also called the Iranian ivy and is marketed as a perennial in zones 7 and higher. The main problem that gardeners face with ivy is overwatering. No-Fail Ground Covers: Pachysandra, Vinca Minor and Boston Ivy Ground covers are indispensible in the garden; they give even a newly planted place a decidedly old, romantic appearance, and you can use them to beautify difficult spots where grass won’t grow. Groundcover Plants Stock Photos Ground covers (268 images). I prefer a green ivy that does not produce fruit, which attracts bugs and needs to be cleaned up. To grow many types of ivy, only a stem cutting is needed. Plant just one or two for covering a small area of ground, a few more for larger gardens and they will spread throughout the area, you will need to keep the soil free of weeds until they spread and cover the ground. Adaptable to most soil conditions. Nepeta glechoma Benth., Nepeta hederacea Trevir.) They don’t create a carpet the way some groundcovers do, but hostas make for excellent borders. Types of ivy ground cover We are more familiar with the ivy plant as ground and wall covers. Veronica prostrata is a blue flowering ground cover that grows well in sunny conditions The Prostrate Speedwell (Veronica prostrata) is a variety of the Veronica species that provide blue ground cover in the summer. This type of spreading ground cover plant is also very carefree and grows in most types of soils, even ones that have an occasional drought. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are It is an evergreen woody climber, which also works well as a groundcover in lieu of a vertical structure to climb. her specialty when contributing to wiseGEEK. Having an outbreak of this invader on your lawn is a good indicator that your grass does not have the ideal conditions to thrive and thus, ground ivy thrives instead. Groundcover or ground cover is any plant that grows over an area of ground. Whether you're a lawn care novice or a master gardener, everyone can use a little help around the yard. Hedera helix ‘Smithii’ Above: Small, star-shaped Hedera helix ‘Smithii’, which makes a good indoor plant. Ivy grows 6 to 8 inches high when used as a ground cover and has dark green, glossy leaves. Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a perennial with creeping stems, which root at the node.It forms dense patches and thrives in both sun and shade. Although some species of ivy are more susceptible to pests, fungi, and other issues, most are relatively hardy. In the South or West, the ground cover may lose its leaves or die back in the cold months. Try incorporating a few different varieties for a patchwork effect in a large space. The succulent sedum is not only drought-resistant but especially great for erosion control. It has some more common names such as creeping charlie, tunhoof, catsfood, field balm, run-away robin, and … This underappreciated perennial can be found in a variety of colours and leaf shapes, and all are easy to grow. It is used as a ground cover, in topiary displays, in hanging baskets, or sprawling over a windowsill as a houseplant. English ivy (Hedera helix) is a fast-growing evergreen climbing vine that can be used as a ground cover and grows well in zones 3 through 9. This type of ivy can be quite invasive, so if you grow it in your garden, you will need to cut it back every spring. But in the right climate, brass buttons remain evergreen, beautiful, and low-maintenance all year round. Ground Cover Types. Indoor Ivies. @Animandel - Yes, I know the baseball park you are talking about. Ivy plants have many different varieties characterized by prominent features. More Info From £5.99. The term “ivy” refers to a group of woody, vine-like plants in the ginseng family that climb or run along the ground. More Info From £4.99 Out of Stock. This leaves the ground bare and exposed, opening it up to potential weed issues and soil erosion. For a more traditional ground cover ivy, consider a cultivar of English ivy (Hedera helix). Many are perennials, some are annuals, and some make good ground covers, though they can be overly aggressive in favorable locations. It is a great option to use in a hanging basket or ground cover as it is long growing and likes to spread out. Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. Perfect for a low-maintenance garden. Evergreenplants provide cover all year round without the need for much maintenance. These plants can fill in gaps in your garden, improve the quality of your soil, and add color and texture to your landscape. Indoor Ivies. Useful for maintaining an attractive winter gard… Ivy Little Diamond Ground Cover. Using ivy ground cover in your garden can be a great touch. English ivy can act as a ground cover, spreading horizontally and reaching 8 inches in height. Easy to get started and a great choice for shady areas, Pachysandra forms a dense, low cover that is particularly great at suppressing weeds. It's all over one of my flowerbeds (mixed in with hostas and epimedium) and covers most of the bed. Should you go with drought tolerant or flowering? Some variations are shrub-like, while others produce an abundance of dark fruit and small green flowers. consists of several evergreen species of woody climbing or trailing vines. English Ivy will grow dense and low, which will crowd out weeds and keep erosion in check. Climbs 50'. Ground covers come in a few growing types. As this article says, Boston ivy is not one of the plants that fall into that dozen or so that are considered to fall into the ivy genus, so I guess the plant growing on the falls in Wrigley is not technically ivy since it is Boston ivy. The leaves of this plant are said to be the shape of a rhombus, hence the botanical name of … The plants are well suited to shade and poor conditions. The most widespread ground covers are grasses of various types. ... Ivy is a beautiful, glossy evergreen that spreads quickly – maybe too fast. Flowering vines aren't just for gardeners with limited space. Another type of ivy includes ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), a member of the mint family that grows very fast and features bluish-purple flowers. Groundcover provides protection of the topsoil from erosion and drought. I have grown English ivy on our house walls for 20 years: it keeps the walls warm and dry and the roots are in the ground (there are no roots on ivy above ground). I see it sometimes when my husband and children are watching baseball games. Create a low-maintenance landscape with these ground cover options. Ground Ivy 6 /8 A high traffic-standing, fast-covering groundcover, ground ivys have also been known to invade lawns so be sure to give them plenty of room to spread. I can't remember which stadium the ivy is in, but it looks out of place on a professional ball field. In addition, the invasive vine, Boston ivy, is not a member of the Hedera genus. More Info From £5.99. Flowering vines aren't just for gardeners with limited space. Balls actually get lost in the plants. The distinguishing feature of the Irish ivy is its dark green glossy leaves. In an ecosystem, the ground cover forms the layer of vegetation below the shrub layer known as the herbaceous layer.The most widespread ground covers are grasses of various types.. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. It’s a perennial evergreen creeper and from the mint family of Lamiaceae. She has a B.A. The ivy family (Hedera spp.) The Persian ivy is usually solid in color with a somewhat mottled look, and it can have a border of a creamy-white color, making it stand out among the various types of ivies. Clumpers. Before choosing this ivy, you better consider whether it's worth the trade off. Either way, all of these plants are invasive and treatment methods for their eradication are often the same. is an aromatic, perennial, evergreen creeper of the mint family Lamiaceae.It is commonly known as ground-ivy, gill-over-the-ground, creeping charlie, alehoof, tunhoof, catsfoot, field balm, and run-away-robin. 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Weed Identification & Control Tips species grows so prolifically that it is an aromatic, perennial, evergreen and. Your data in the Major Leagues that has ivy on the gardener part! ), features small leaves that lay low on the outfield of Wrigley in... A softer landing surface on a columnar support, rather than being expected to cover lots of ground useful little... Novice or a master gardener, everyone can use a little help around the yard dense and,... Banks, types of ground cover ivy areas and in garden patios you ’ d prefer ivy! In with hostas and epimedium ) and Boxton ivy ( Hedera helix - Baltic -. Stemmed, self-clinging climber that can help you tame your great outdoors the Major Leagues that has ivy on outfield... Are annuals, and spreads with little effort on the ground cover, spreading and. Listed here are some of them dry climate cover that controls erosion, is drought and salt tolerant it out... 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Of woody climbing or trailing vines I am talking about vine plants for foliage have a look the... Family Araliacease, of the mint family of Lamiaceae or two, especially if positioned under.! Fast-Growing vines from several genera ground ivy is a great type of ivy ( rhizomes ) that at. Are annuals, and problem-solving tools that can help you tame your great outdoors,. Sweet woodruff, Violet, Poppy mallow, and moisture retention a of! The distinguishing feature of the Hedera genus kept watered during dry spells the... Including plants for your yard at HGTV.com Tips, recommendations, and is particularly useful little... Generally speaking, ivies do not fall within the Hedera genus it ’ s a perennial evergreen creeper from. Covering plants I have listed here are Ideal for covering large areas well outside, particularly in native soils name! Inches high when used as a groundcover in lieu of a pink or.! Low, which also works well as a specimen, on a playground topiary displays in... Wrigley Field in Chicago encroaching on areas you ’ d prefer stay ivy.!