vine

Schaffer Three English Ivy

Hedera helix 'Schaffer Three'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hedera helix 'Schaffer Three' is an evergreen climbing or ground-covering vine characterized by its dense, lobed green foliage and small, inconspicuous flowers that produce black berries. It is known for its vigorous growth and adaptability to various conditions.

This cultivar is particularly valued for its compact, bushy habit and enhanced resilience, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance, ornamental ground cover or container planting.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides lush greenery year-round, ideal for vertical gardens and ground cover.
Practical UsesSuppresses weeds and stabilizes soil on slopes.
Ecological BenefitsSupports local bird populations and insect habitats.
SpeciesHedera helixEnglish Ivy

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

8 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moderate to high humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe and Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets if ingested

Bloom period

Late summer – Late fall

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck cuttings into moist soil in spring.
  2. Keep soil consistently moist for 6 weeks.
  3. Provide partial shade during hot summer days.
  4. Train the vine along trellises or walls.
  5. Mulch around base to retain moisture.
  6. Prune in early spring 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
  • Feed with balanced fertilizer in spring
  • Support with trellises for climbing

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent diseases ❌
  • Don't allow to grow into unwanted areas
  • Skip pruning in late fall
  • Don't expose to extreme drought without watering

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Pest Check
Plant
Propagate
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Green wall coveringShade-loving groundcoverPrivacy hedge

Companion Plants

HostaFerns Begonias AstilbeJapanese Maple

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Schaffer Three English Ivy questions

What zones can Schaffer Three English Ivy grow in?

Schaffer Three English Ivy 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 Schaffer Three English Ivy deer resistant?

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

When does Schaffer Three English Ivy bloom?

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

Does Schaffer Three English Ivy need full sun?

Schaffer Three English Ivy does best in part shade.

Is Schaffer Three English Ivy drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Schaffer Three English Ivy with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.