Also known as Ivy · 1k saves
Hedera
Hedera, the genus most gardeners know as ivy. We track 37 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Hedera varieties
See all 37 Hedera varieties →Search this genus →
3 species of Hedera
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Hedera in Sow
Save the Hedera you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Hedera
Whats common across all Hedera varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 37 most-grown of them.
The Hedera year
- PruneFebruary, March, June, July and August97% of varieties
Cut back aggressively to control spread or maintain shape in containers
- Check for PestsMay–August68% of varieties
Check undersides of leaves for spider mites or scale
- PropagateApril–July57% of varieties
Root stem cuttings easily in water or moist soil
- PlantMarch, April, September and October41% of varieties
Plant new starts or transplants in spring or fall
- Spring CleanupFebruary38% of varieties
Remove any winter-damaged or dead foliage
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Prune to control growth and shape
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Feed with balanced fertilizer in spring
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not allow to dry out completely
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid excessive fertilizing
What goes wrong with Hedera
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Webbing and speckled leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale insects | Brown limpet-like bumps on stems and leaf undersides with sticky residue below | Cut out badly infested growth and treat the rest with horticultural oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve soil drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Yellowing leaves and wilting | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Leaf spot | Brown or black spots with pale margins spreading in wet weather | Thin congested growth for airflow and clear fallen leaves; established plants outgrow it |
Making more Hedera
Cuttings
- Select healthy stem cuttings in early spring
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist soil
- Keep soil evenly moist for 6 weeks
Layering
- Bend a low-growing stem to the ground
- Secure with pin or stone
- Keep moist for 8 weeks until roots develop
Hedera questions
How many types of Hedera are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 37 distinct Hedera varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Hedera grow in?
Across its varieties, Hedera covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Hedera bloom?
Most Hedera varieties bloom in fall, late summer to fall, late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Hedera should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.