10 Best Ivy For Ground Cover (2024 Update)

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Are you looking to add some greenery to your outdoor space? Ivy is a popular choice for a ground cover and can bring life to any garden. Ivy is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions and is relatively low maintenance. However, there are a few key points to consider when looking for ivy for ground cover.

Firstly, it's important to choose the right type of ivy for your garden. Some ivy varieties are more suitable for ground cover than others. For example, English ivy is a popular choice for ground cover but can be invasive if not managed properly.

Secondly, consider the climate in your area. Ivy is a hardy plant, but some varieties are better suited to certain climates. Be sure to choose a variety that can withstand the temperature and weather conditions in your area.

Thirdly, think about the amount of sunlight your garden receives. Ivy can grow in both full sun and shade, but some varieties prefer one over the other. Choose a variety that is suited to the amount of sunlight your garden receives.

Fourthly, consider the soil in your garden. Ivy can grow in a variety of soils, but some varieties prefer well-drained soil. Be sure to choose a variety that is suited to the soil in your garden.

Lastly, think about the maintenance required for ivy ground cover. While ivy is relatively low maintenance, it does require some upkeep to keep it looking its best. Regular pruning and trimming can help keep ivy under control and prevent it from becoming invasive.

In summary, when choosing ivy for ground cover, consider the type of ivy, climate, amount of sunlight, soil type, and maintenance required. With these key points in mind, you can choose the perfect ivy variety to bring life to your garden.

10 Best Ivy For Ground Cover

1. English Ivy And Hedera Helix Ground-Cover Plants – 200 Bare Roots – More Options Available.

Greenwood Nursery offers an excellent selection of live ground-cover plants, including English Ivy and Hedera Helix. These evergreen plants are hardy and fast-growing, making them an ideal choice for those seeking low-maintenance lawn substitutes. With a glossy, dark green appearance, English Ivy is a popular choice for creating a carpet effect in gardens and landscapes.

When planting English Ivy, it is recommended to space the plants 18 inches apart to achieve maximum coverage. One hundred plants will cover an area of approximately 225 square feet. For larger jobs, bare root plants are an economical choice. These plants are shipped covered with hydrating gel, wrapped in moist paper, and placed into airtight plastic wrap to trap moisture. Potted plants are also available and are shipped with the pot wrapped in shrink wrap and tape to prevent soil spillage.

English Ivy and Hedera Helix are both evergreen perennials that require full or partial sun and moist soil conditions. They are fast-growing and can reach heights of up to 10 feet when used as climbing vines. These plants are relatively pest-free and very cold hardy, making them an excellent choice for any garden or landscape.

Greenwood Nursery takes the utmost care to ensure that all plants are healthy, vibrant, and alive when they arrive at their destination. All orders are shipped with shipping peanuts to secure the plants in a box, and most orders are shipped the next business day. If there are any issues with an order, customers are encouraged to contact Greenwood Nursery immediately to resolve the issue.

In conclusion, if you're looking for live ground-cover plants, Greenwood Nursery has an excellent selection of English Ivy and Hedera Helix. With their glossy dark green leaves, these plants are a popular choice for creating a carpet effect in gardens and landscapes. They are fast-growing, relatively pest-free, and very cold hardy, making them an excellent choice for any garden or landscape.

2. Jmbamboo – Baltic English Ivy 8 Plants – Hardy Groundcover – 2 1/4" Pot

Jmbamboo offers a set of eight Baltic English Ivy plants that are ideal for use as a hardy groundcover. These plants are highly adaptable and can grow in both sunny and shady conditions, making them a versatile choice for any landscape. They are also deer-resistant, which makes them an excellent choice for gardens where deer are a problem.

The proper name for this particular variety of English Ivy is Hedera helix 'Baltic.' This plant is considered the hardiest of all English Ivy varieties, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who live in areas with colder climates. It is hardy in zones 4-8, which means that it can tolerate temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit.

The plants that customers will receive from Jmbamboo are growing in 2.25" pots. This means that they are small enough to be easily transplanted into a garden, but large enough to have a substantial root system that will help them establish themselves quickly. When planting these ivy plants, it is important to space them about 12 inches apart to allow for proper growth.

In addition to being a hardy groundcover, Baltic English Ivy is also an excellent choice for use as a climbing plant. It can grow up to 80 feet tall, making it ideal for use on walls, trellises, and other structures. When used as a climbing plant, it is important to provide support for the plant as it grows, to prevent it from becoming too heavy and causing damage to the structure.

Overall, the set of eight Baltic English Ivy plants from Jmbamboo is an excellent choice for gardeners who are looking for a hardy groundcover or climbing plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. These plants are easy to care for, and their adaptability makes them an excellent choice for any landscape. Customers can rest assured that they are receiving high-quality plants from Jmbamboo, and they can expect their ivy plants to thrive for many years to come.

3. 8000 Kenilworth Ivy Seeds – Shade Tolerant Ground Cover

Outsidepride offers a stunning ground cover plant, the Cymbalaria Muralis Kenilworth Ivy. With its delicate, scalloped leaves and pretty lilac-colored blooms, this plant is sure to add a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape. This shade-tolerant, cascading, spreading ground cover is easy to grow from seed and requires very little maintenance.

The Kenilworth Ivy plant is an excellent choice for areas with full shade, making it perfect for planting under trees or along shady paths. It also makes a charming hanging basket plant, with its trailing vines cascading gracefully over the sides of the container. With regular watering and occasional pruning, this plant can thrive in a variety of settings.

Cymbalaria Muralis is a prolific self-sower, spreading its Kenilworth Ivy seeds all over the garden. To keep it more contained, deadheading is helpful. However, its ability to spread also makes it an excellent choice for larger areas that need filling in. This flowering ground cover plant is also known as Linaria Cymbalaria, Ivy-Leaved Toadflax, and Coliseum Ivy.

To grow Kenilworth Ivy from seed, start by sowing the seeds indoors about 10 weeks before the last frost is expected. Use starter trays and sow the ground cover seeds on the surface of sterile soil, gently pressing them into the soil. Do not cover the seeds, as they need light to germinate. After the danger of frost has passed, transplant the young ground cover plants into the garden. Approximately 2000 seeds will cover 40 square feet.

Overall, Outsidepride's Cymbalaria Muralis Kenilworth Ivy is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance ground cover plant that can thrive in full shade. Its cascading vines and pretty lilac-colored blooms make it a charming addition to any garden or landscape.

4. Thorndale English Ivy 48 Plants – Hardy Groundcover – 1 3/4" Pots

The Thorndale English Ivy is a hardy groundcover that is perfect for those living in zones 4-8. This plant is deer resistant and can grow in both sun and shade. The proper name for this variety of English Ivy is Hedera helix 'Thorndale'.

This plant is considered to be the hardiest English Ivy available, making it a great choice for those who live in areas with harsh winters. It is also incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of landscaping and gardening applications.

When ordering the Thorndale English Ivy, customers can expect immediate shipping in 48 cell flats. However, it is important to note that plants ordered during the winter months will be shipped dormant.

One of the key benefits of the Thorndale English Ivy is its ability to provide excellent ground coverage. This makes it ideal for use in areas where grass is difficult to grow, such as under trees or in shady areas. Additionally, the plant's ability to grow in both sun and shade makes it a versatile choice for a variety of landscaping applications.

Another benefit of the Thorndale English Ivy is its deer resistance. This makes it a great choice for homeowners who live in areas where deer are a common problem. The plant's hardiness also makes it resistant to many common pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for those who want a beautiful garden without a lot of upkeep.

Overall, the Thorndale English Ivy is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a hardy, versatile groundcover that is easy to maintain. With its ability to grow in both sun and shade, and its deer resistance, this plant is a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels. Plus, with immediate shipping in 48 cell flats, customers can start enjoying the benefits of this beautiful plant right away.

5. Jmbamboo – Thorndale English Ivy 48 Plants – Hardy Groundcover – 2 1/4" Pot

Jmbamboo is proud to offer the Thorndale English Ivy, a hardy groundcover that is perfect for almost any garden. With 48 plants included, this selection is an excellent value for anyone who wants to add a touch of vibrant green to their yard. These plants are grown in 2.25" pots and are ready to be transplanted into your garden or planter.

One of the most significant benefits of the Thorndale English Ivy is its hardiness. This plant is well-suited to grow in zones 4-8, making it a great choice for gardeners in many parts of the country. Additionally, the Thorndale English Ivy is deer-resistant, so you won't have to worry about these animals eating your plants.

The Thorndale English Ivy is also an incredibly versatile plant. It can grow in both sun and shade, so you can plant it wherever you need a touch of green. Whether you are looking to fill in a shady area of your garden or add some texture to a sunny spot, this plant is an excellent choice.

The proper name for the Thorndale English Ivy is Hedera helix 'Thorndale.' This variety of English Ivy is considered the hardiest, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want a plant that can withstand harsh conditions. It can even tolerate drought once it is established, making it a low-maintenance option for your garden.

When you order the Thorndale English Ivy from Jmbamboo, you can rest assured that you will receive healthy, high-quality plants. Each plant is carefully cultivated in a 2.25" pot, so it is ready to be transplanted into your garden or planter. With 48 plants included in this selection, you will have plenty of ivy to work with.

In conclusion, the Thorndale English Ivy from Jmbamboo is an excellent choice for any gardener who wants a hardy, versatile groundcover. With its ability to grow in both sun and shade, its deer-resistant properties, and its hardiness in harsh conditions, this plant is a valuable addition to any garden. Order yours today and enjoy the beauty and benefits of this fantastic plant!

6. 20 Virginia Creeper Ivy Plants Live Vine Creeper Flowering Perennial Ivy Ground Cover Bare Roots

Virginia creeper ivy is one of the most popular and versatile plants for ground cover and climbing. With its beautiful foliage and easy-to-grow nature, it is a favorite of gardeners and landscapers alike. If you're looking for a reliable and attractive plant for your garden or outdoor space, then consider the 20 Virginia creeper ivy plants that are available as live vine creeper flowering perennial ivy ground cover bare roots.

This product offers you the opportunity to create a lush and vibrant outdoor environment with ease. The Virginia creeper ivy is a hardy species that can thrive in a variety of soil types, light conditions, and climates. Whether you live in a hot and dry region or a cool and damp one, these plants will adapt and flourish. As a perennial, they will come back year after year, providing you with long-lasting beauty and coverage.

The 20 Virginia creeper ivy plants come as bare roots, which means that they are not potted and have no soil around their roots. This is a great option for those who want to save money and have more control over the planting process. When you receive your plants, you can choose to plant them in pots or directly in the ground. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that they take root and thrive.

One of the great benefits of the Virginia creeper ivy is its ability to cover large areas quickly. These plants can grow up to 50 feet long and can cover walls, fences, and other structures in a matter of months. They are also great for filling in bare spots in your garden or creating a natural-looking ground cover. With 20 plants, you'll have plenty of coverage to work with.

Another advantage of the Virginia creeper ivy is its beautiful foliage. The leaves are a deep green color and have five lobes that resemble a hand. In the fall, the leaves turn a brilliant shade of red, orange, or yellow, adding a burst of color to your outdoor space. Additionally, the Virginia creeper ivy produces small flowers in the summer that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an easy-to-grow and beautiful plant for your garden or outdoor space, then the 20 Virginia creeper ivy plants live vine creeper flowering perennial ivy ground cover bare roots are an excellent choice. With their hardy nature, quick growth, and stunning foliage, they are sure to be a favorite of yours and your garden visitors for years to come.

Best Ivy For Ground Cover FAQs

How do I maintain ivy as a ground cover?

Maintaining ivy as a ground cover requires regular attention and care. Firstly, it is important to plant ivy in an appropriate location with well-drained soil and proper sunlight exposure. Once established, ivy should be watered regularly and fertilized once or twice a year. It is also important to prune ivy to prevent it from becoming too dense and to remove any dead or damaged foliage. Regularly pulling up any weeds that may grow among the ivy can also help maintain its appearance. Additionally, it is important to monitor for any pests or diseases that may affect the ivy and take appropriate measures to control them. Overall, maintaining ivy as a ground cover requires consistent effort to ensure its health and appearance.

How do I plant ivy as a ground cover?

To plant ivy as a ground cover, follow these steps:

1. Choose a location with well-draining soil and partial to full shade.

2. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and loosening the top layer of soil.

3. Dig holes for each ivy plant, spacing them about 6-12 inches apart depending on the variety.

4. Place the plants in the holes and backfill with soil, gently firming the soil around the base of each plant.

5. Water the newly planted ivy thoroughly and keep the soil moist until the plants are established.

6. Once the ivy is established, water as needed and fertilize once a year with a balanced fertilizer.

7. Prune the ivy regularly to keep it from becoming too invasive and to encourage new growth.

Ivy is a hardy and versatile ground cover that can add beauty and texture to any landscape. With proper planting and care, it can thrive and provide many years of enjoyment.

What are some alternatives to ivy for ground cover?

There are several alternatives to ivy for ground cover, each with their unique characteristics and benefits. One option is periwinkle, also known as vinca minor. It is a low-maintenance plant that spreads quickly and produces beautiful blue or purple flowers in the spring. Another alternative is creeping phlox, a low-growing plant that produces a carpet of colorful flowers in the spring. It can be used in rock gardens or as a border plant. Another option is creeping thyme, a fragrant herb that produces small pink or purple flowers in the summer. It is a hardy plant that can withstand foot traffic, making it ideal for pathways. Finally, sweet woodruff is a shade-loving plant that produces white flowers in the spring and has a sweet scent. It is often used as a ground cover in woodland gardens. By considering these alternatives to ivy, you can find the perfect ground cover for your needs.

What are the benefits of using ivy as a ground cover?

Ivy is a versatile and attractive ground cover that offers several benefits. First, it provides excellent erosion control, as its dense root system holds soil in place and prevents it from washing away. Second, it is low-maintenance and requires little water or fertilizer once established, making it an ideal choice for areas with poor soil or limited resources. Third, it can help reduce heat and noise pollution, as its dense growth provides a natural insulating layer that absorbs sound and moderates temperature. Fourth, it is an attractive addition to any landscape, providing year-round greenery and a lush, natural look. Finally, it can improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Overall, ivy is a versatile and beneficial ground cover that can enhance the beauty and health of any outdoor space.

What are the best varieties of ivy for ground cover?

There are several varieties of ivy that are great for ground cover, depending on the specific needs and conditions of the area. English ivy (Hedera helix) is a popular choice for its hardiness and ability to grow in various soil types and light conditions. Algerian ivy (Hedera canariensis) is another good option for its fast-growing, lush foliage and tolerance for hot and dry climates.

Japanese ivy (Hedera rhombea) is a low-growing, spreading variety that is ideal for covering larger areas and slopes. It is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases. Other ivy varieties that make good ground covers include Boston ivy, Persian ivy, and Irish ivy.

When selecting an ivy variety for ground cover, it's important to consider factors such as the amount of sun or shade the area receives, soil type and drainage, and the specific aesthetic qualities desired. It's also important to keep in mind that ivy can be invasive in some regions, so it's best to check with local authorities before planting.

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