Species

24 other cultivars

vine

English Ivy Buttermint

The Story

Plant Bio

A vigorous, self-clinging evergreen climber or groundcover. Juvenile leaves are three to five-lobed. Mature plants produce inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers in fall, followed by black berries.

Distinguished by its attractive, wavy-edged leaves which are bright light green in the center with irregular, creamy-white to pale yellow margins. The foliage provides excellent year-round color and texture.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds lush greenery and aesthetic appeal to shaded areas, evergreen year-round.

Provides ground cover that suppresses weeds and prevents erosion.

Supports local insects and birds with dense foliage.

SpeciesHedera helixEnglish Ivy

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

300 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe and western Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets if ingested; sap may cause skin irritation.

Bloom period

Fall – Late fall

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck cuttings into moist soil in early spring
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity
Provide bright indirect light for healthy growth
Transplant mature vines in late spring after roots develop
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Prune lightly in late winter to shape

Pro Tip

Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
Prune to control growth and shape
Fertilize with balanced fertilizer in spring
Inspect regularly for pests
Mulch to conserve moisture

Don't

Avoid overwatering; it can cause root rot ❌
Do not allow to dry out completely
Refrain from heavy pruning in mid-summer
Do not plant in poorly drained areas
Avoid excessive fertilizing

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Propagate
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade-tolerant groundcoverHanging basket fillerWall climber with vanilla scent

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Astilbes Heucheras Japanese Maples

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

English Ivy Buttermint questions

What zones can English Ivy Buttermint grow in?

English Ivy Buttermint is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is English Ivy Buttermint deer resistant?

Yes — English Ivy Buttermint is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does English Ivy Buttermint bloom?

English Ivy Buttermint typically blooms in fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does English Ivy Buttermint need full sun?

English Ivy Buttermint does best in part shade.

Is English Ivy Buttermint drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), English Ivy Buttermint handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.