Species

Hedera helixEnglish Ivy

23 other cultivars

vine

Upright English Ivy

Hedera helix 'Erecta'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hedera helix 'Erecta' is a non-climbing, evergreen shrub with stiff, upright stems. Its dark green, arrow-shaped leaves are arranged in a distinctive herringbone pattern.

This cultivar is distinguished by its unusual, self-branching, erect growth habit, making it a unique architectural specimen for formal settings, rock gardens, or as a low hedge.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush evergreen coverage, ideal for shaded walls and groundcover.

Suppresses weeds and prevents soil erosion in shaded areas.

Supports local insects and birds with shelter.

SpeciesHedera helixEnglish Ivy

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

36 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe and Western Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Bloom period

Late summer – Late fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck cuttings into moist soil in spring, keep humid for 6 weeks
Tuck seeds into soil, water regularly, and wait for germination in 2 weeks
Plant in well-draining soil, water deeply once a week
Train onto a trellis or wall for best coverage
Apply mulch around roots to retain moisture
Prune lightly in early spring to maintain shape

Pro Tip

Provide indirect light and keep soil moist for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
Prune to control growth and shape
Use well-draining soil for healthy roots

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Do not allow soil to become waterlogged
Refrain from fertilizing in late fall

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded wall coverGroundcover in shady garden beds

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Japanese Maples

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Upright English Ivy questions

What zones can Upright English Ivy grow in?

Upright 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 Upright English Ivy deer resistant?

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

When does Upright English Ivy bloom?

Upright 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 Upright English Ivy need full sun?

Upright English Ivy does best in part shade.

Is Upright English Ivy drought tolerant?

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