Buy hedera (ivy)
An ivy hedge, also known as a climbing ivy hedge, is an evergreen and fast-growing hedge plant that is widely used in gardens. Due to the rapid growth of the ivy hedge (50 to 70 cm per year!) and the fact that it remains evergreen throughout the year, this climber can quickly cover walls and fences. In particular, Hedera hibernica and Hedera helix are popular and highly suitable ivy varieties for hedging. At the nursery, they are trained onto a bamboo cane and cultivated, making them available in various heights in our webshop. In addition to individual plants, Heijnen also supplies ready-made ivy hedge panels (living fence) that give the garden an instantly mature appearance. The Hedera plant belongs to the Araliaceae family and is an evergreen, self-clinging climbing plant. Ivy is widespread across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is a versatile plant that can be used both outdoors in the garden and indoors as a decorative plant. Heijnen supplies only ivy hedge plants suitable for outdoor use. In its natural habitat, ivy provides nesting sites for birds, serves as a nectar source for bees, and its berries (if the plant is not pruned) provide food for birds. The etymology of the word “ivy” derives from the Latin ‘haerere’, meaning ‘to cling’. It symbolises fidelity and immortality and is often used in cemetery planting. Ivy is evergreen, fast-growing, and highly shade-tolerant. Fun fact: the high chlorophyll content of the ivy hedge enables efficient photosynthesis, even in low light during the winter months. Ivy responds well to pruning and is fully hardy. In addition to being widely used as a hedge or boundary planting, ivy can also serve as effective ground cover in the garden.
The most important features and characteristics of an ivy hedge (climbing plants)
An ivy hedge is one of the most popular hedge plants at Heijnen. And for good reason: ivy is a strong, evergreen climbing plant with countless advantages. With more than 50 years of growing experience, the Heijnen plant experts know exactly why so many garden enthusiasts choose an ivy hedge. Below, we list the most important features and characteristics of this evergreen hedge plant/climber:
Growth rate: one of the greatest advantages of an ivy hedge is its growth rate. Under favourable garden conditions, an ivy can grow on average 50 to 70 cm per year. This depends on factors such as soil quality, water balance, sunlight, temperature, and variety. In optimal conditions, with sufficiently moist and nutrient-rich soil, the plant can even grow up to 100 cm per year. Ivy attaches itself with aerial roots to walls, fences, or screens, and can therefore cover a large area in a short period of time. Variegated ivy varieties such as ‘Goldheart’ or ‘Glacier’ grow much more slowly.Height: the mature height of an ivy hedge depends on maintenance (pruning) and the desired hedge height. Left unpruned, Hedera helix or Hedera hibernica can reach heights of 20 to 30 metres (for example, when climbing into trees). In practice, ivy is often used for hedges of around 1.5 to 3 metres in height. With regular pruning, the hedge is easy to keep in shape, and ivy tolerates pruning extremely well.Leaf structure (density): ivy has leathery, evergreen leaves (mostly dark green) that provide very high screening density. Ivy leaves vary from lobed (juvenile form) to ovate (adult form), with striking veins. Leaf size ranges from 4 to 10 cm, depending on the variety and growing position. The leaves are alternately arranged on the shoots, and in variegated cultivars they may be yellow- or white-patterned. Young ivy shoots are flexible, green or reddish in colour, and form aerial roots to cling to surfaces. As ivy matures, its shoots become woody and develop a brown, cork-like bark. Timely pruning encourages new shoots (fresh foliage) and improves screening density.Evergreen foliage: ivy retains its leaves all year round, providing continuous colour, privacy, and shelter in the garden. Although the leaves remain in winter, they may change colour slightly, becoming duller or showing a bronze or purple tinge due to cold and reduced sunlight. In spring, the fresh green colour returns.Flowering: an ivy hedge is mainly valued for its attractive evergreen foliage and growth rate, and far less for its flowers. However, ivy can flower at a later age; this depends on age, location, and maintenance (pruning). If ivy is pruned annually, it will never flower, regardless of its age. Unpruned, mature ivy can flower in late summer and autumn with inconspicuous yellow-green umbels. After flowering, black to dark blue berries develop, ripening in winter and providing a valuable food source for birds.Position: ivy is one of the most versatile and easy-to-grow hedge plants in our range. It thrives in full shade, partial shade, or full sun, making it suitable for almost any garden. Variegated ivy cultivars require more light to maintain their striking variegation. The best planting position is in sun with some shade. Ivy prefers humus-rich, fertile soil that is slightly moist but well-drained. Poorer, heavier, or chalky soils are also tolerated, provided there is no prolonged waterlogging. Ivy also withstands periods of drought remarkably well.Hardiness: ivy is generally very hardy (down to approx. –20 °C), especially the green-leaved varieties such as Hedera hibernica and Hedera helix. Variegated cultivars are more sensitive and may suffer leaf damage during severe winters. Factors such as age, location, soil, water balance, pruning, and sunlight play an important role in how well an ivy hedge withstands the winter. A well-drained soil is essential: in wet, poorly drained conditions, the root zone can freeze or rot, weakening the plant. Proper care and soil preparation therefore greatly improve the plant’s hardiness.
What are the possibilities of ivy in the garden?
Ivy plants are versatile garden plants that can be used in many different ways. Thanks to their vigorous growth, aerial roots, and evergreen foliage, Hedera can fulfil numerous functions in the garden: from ornamental value and privacy to ecological benefits. Below is a detailed and specific description of the various possibilities with ivy in the garden:
Ivy can be perfectly used as a hedge in the garden. Hedera can be trained against mesh panels, fencing, or wooden screens, forming a dense, evergreen hedge with regular pruning. Ideal for ivy hedges of around 1.5 to 3 metres in height. Ready-made ivy hedges are already fully grown panels and provide instant privacy immediately after planting.
Thanks to the aerial roots of the ivy plant, it can also be used as a climber. Facades and walls will soon be covered, giving bare walls a natural appearance. Note: on old, porous walls, the plant may cause damage.
Due to its rapid growth, ivy can cover the ground completely within a very short time. For this reason, it is also used as ground cover to suppress weeds. Ivy is ideal as underplanting beneath large trees and forms a dense layer of about 20 cm in height.
With its free-growing habit and flexible stems, ivy can also be easily trained over pergolas, rose arches, or other wooden structures.
An ivy hedge can also serve as a sound or wind barrier. For example, when mesh panels are fully covered with ivy, they will dampen both noise and wind. This is why they are often used alongside busy roads or in gardens that border open landscapes.
In addition to its use in gardens, ivy is also perfect for creating a green balcony screen. Simply plant ivy in pots or containers and create a dense green partition in smaller outdoor spaces.
Ivy is also widely used in vertical gardening. It is ideal for balconies or small gardens with limited floor space but with the option to grow upwards.
In pots or hanging baskets, ivy can also be successfully combined with other garden plants. The trailing ivy will spill playfully over the sides of the containers. To prevent ivy from spreading too vigorously, variegated cultivars are the most suitable for pots, as they grow much more slowly.
Ecologically, ivy makes a valuable contribution to the garden. Once the plant flowers, ivy becomes an important nectar source for insects, and birds enjoy the black berries that may appear in winter. In addition, ivy provides excellent nesting and shelter opportunities for birds.
Combining an ivy hedge with other garden plants
An ivy hedge is easy to combine with other garden plants, whether in classic or modern gardens. Thanks to its dense, evergreen foliage, ivy provides a calm and atmospheric backdrop that ensures year-round colour and privacy. As a green background, the ivy hedge serves as an ideal base planting, against which flowering perennials stand out beautifully. Think of classics such as Coneflower (Echinacea), Vervain (Verbena), and Yarrow (Achillea), whose striking blooms contrast strongly with the deep green ivy foliage. Shade-loving plants such as Hosta, Astilbe, and Helleborus also make attractive companions for an ivy hedge.
There are also many possibilities with shrubs that add extra colour and height. Hydrangea, Rhododendron, Skimmia, or Spiraea produce stunning flowers, while fruiting shrubs such as redcurrant or blueberry provide both ornamental value and food for birds. For those who prefer more variation, Clematis and climbing roses can be trained through the ivy, creating a unique combination of evergreen foliage and abundant flowering.
Gardeners can also play with foliage structures. Ornamental grasses such as Calamagrostis, Stipa, or Miscanthus create a sense of lightness beside an ivy hedge, while ground covers like Vinca minor, Pachysandra, or Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis) make a neat finishing touch at the base of the hedge. Want to add extra height and layering to the garden? Then solitary shrubs or multi-stemmed trees can be beautifully combined with an ivy hedge, with other ground-covering ivies as underplanting beneath these shrubs and trees.
The right location and soil for hedge ivy plants
Ivy grows excellently in sunny, partially shaded, and even fully shaded positions. This makes ivy unique within our range of hedge plants. Even in challenging spots where other hedges struggle, such as under trees or against a north-facing wall, Hedera continues to grow vigorously. Full sun is therefore not a requirement for optimal growth. Even in deep shade, the plant will still form a dense and opaque hedge. In addition to location, the soil and soil preparation before planting are crucial for a healthy, strong ivy hedge. Ivy prefers nutrient-rich, humus-rich, and well-draining soil. The soil may be moist, but should not remain waterlogged for long periods. Standing water around the roots can lead to root rot and the decline of ivy plants. This is why soil preparation is so important and forms the foundation of successful establishment.
In practice, this means that heavy clay soils often need to be loosened by adding compost or sand to improve aeration. Excess water can then drain away more easily. Sandy soils, on the other hand, allow water to pass through quickly, but are usually best enriched with compost or garden soil. This way, water and nutrients are retained longer and made more available to the roots. To slow down soil drying and boost soil life, the ground can be mulched with bark chips. This helps the soil retain moisture and provides a habitat for beneficial insects. The ideal pH value for Hedera is between 6 and 7, meaning a neutral to slightly acidic soil is best for the plant.
After planting an ivy hedge, it is important to water the plants sufficiently so they can establish strong roots and quickly cling to mesh or fencing. Once well-rooted, the hedge can generally sustain itself, but during prolonged drought or hot summers, additional watering is recommended to prevent dehydration. Ivy is naturally strong and low-maintenance, but in the garden it benefits from being fertilised twice a year to maintain a full, green hedge. Fertilise ivy at planting with Heijnen starter fertiliser. Thereafter, the hedge should be fertilised in early spring (March/April) and again in summer (June/July). The plant experts at Heijnen recommend using Heijnen maintenance fertiliser for this purpose.
Would you like to plant an ivy hedge and enjoy a healthy, full, and opaque hedge all year round? Then make sure to provide:
A planting site in sun, partial shade, or even deep shade.
A nutrient-rich, humus-rich, and well-draining soil.
Avoidance of prolonged waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Regular watering during the first years after planting and in dry periods.
Twice-yearly fertilisation in spring and summer to maintain a lush green hedge.
A mulch layer of bark chips to protect roots from drying out.
A sturdy support structure (mesh, fence, or screen) so the ivy can attach securely and grow into a dense hedge.
Tip from our ivy grower: when planting, use Heijnen planting soil or mix compost thoroughly into the topsoil to stimulate root growth. This helps Hedera to quickly develop a dense root system and ensures the hedge fills out faster.
Planting ivy plants for a hedge
Ivy plants are grown exclusively in pots, which means they can be planted throughout the year. Planting is only not possible when the ground is frozen. If the temperature is above zero, Hedera can be planted without any problem. This is a major advantage, as ivy can therefore be planted in almost every season. A dense and full ivy hedge starts with maintaining the correct planting distance. The larger the ivy plants are at the time of planting, the fewer plants are needed per linear metre to quickly form a dense hedge. The exact number of plants per metre may vary slightly depending on the variety and the height at purchase. Always consult the specific product guidelines on our website under the heading ‘Plant characteristics’. As a general guideline, you can use the following planting distances for an ivy hedge:
Ivy hedge 40/60 cm, 60/80 cm – 6 plants per linear metre.Ivy hedge 80/100 cm, 100/125 cm, 125/150 cm, 150/175 cm, 175/200 cm – 5 plants per linear metre.Ready-made ivy hedge panels – always place these tightly together.
For successful establishment and growth of an ivy hedge, proper preparation is essential. Enrich the soil with Heijnen planting soil or potting soil to provide additional nutrients. This stimulates root development and ensures that the ivy will more quickly grow into a healthy, strong hedge. After planting, it is important to water the ivy plants regularly, especially during the first period after planting and during dry spells, so the roots can establish well. For a complete step-by-step guide on planting an ivy hedge, see our hedge planting instructions .
Tip from our hedge specialists: would you like a dense, mature ivy hedge quickly? Then opt for larger potted plants or complete ready-made hedge elements.
What care and maintenance does an ivy hedge need?
To keep an ivy hedge beautiful and healthy, it is important that the plant receives timely and proper care and maintenance. Ivy is a very easy garden plant, and both the care and maintenance of this hedge are extremely simple. To help you as best as possible, the hedge specialists at Heijnen have described the most important care and maintenance tips below. Follow these and you can enjoy a stunning, evergreen hedge for many years to come:
Planting an ivy hedge
Planting: potted Hedera plants can be planted almost all year round. In periods of severe frost or extreme heat, planting is best postponed. Although planting in summer is possible, most of our customers prefer spring or autumn, when the soil is moist and plants root more quickly.Potted ivy plants: our Hedera is grown in pots, which makes it easy to transplant at any time of year. This simplifies planting and allows the hedge to establish straight away.Soil: ivy grows best in nutrient-rich, humus-rich, well-draining soil. Ensure good drainage and read more about this in our soil preparation guidelines.Soil improvement: when planting, add Heijnen planting soil or potting soil to improve structure, moisture retention, and soil fertility. This supports stronger root development, faster establishment, and even hedge growth.Avoid: heavy, poorly drained clay soil without drainage. Prevent “wet feet”, which can lead to suffocation and root rot.
Watering ivy plants
After planting: water generously straight after planting. This firms the soil around the roots, removes air pockets, and ensures good root-to-soil contact.Initial period: in the first few months after planting, regular watering is essential, especially in dry or hot weather.Watering routine: during prolonged drought, it is better to water once or twice a week with plenty of water, rather than a little every day. Less frequent, deep watering encourages deeper roots and ultimately stronger growth. The amount of water also depends on plant size.Mature hedge: once established, an ivy hedge can usually provide for its own water needs, except during long dry spells.Note: ivy does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging, so always ensure good drainage.
Pruning an ivy hedge
Frequency: to keep the hedge healthy, compact, and dense, it is best to prune at least twice a year. In sunnier locations, ivy may even be pruned three times a year.Pruning times: the first cut should be in late May or early June after the first growth spurt in spring. The second in late August or early September. Optionally, a light trim in July if the ivy has grown too vigorously and lost shape.Pruning technique: always use sharp hedge shears (manual or electric) to make clean cuts and avoid ragged leaves. Ideally, prune on a cloudy day to prevent leaf scorch.Shape: keep the hedge slightly tapered (wider at the base than at the top). This ensures that the lower parts also receive sufficient light, resulting in greenery from top to bottom.Recovery: ivy is very resilient and tolerates heavy pruning well. Recovery is usually unnecessary, as ivy quickly produces new shoots.Note: birds often nest in ivy. Try to schedule pruning so as not to disturb the nesting season in your garden, or at least minimise disturbance.
Fertilising an ivy hedge
At planting: give the ivy hedge a strong start by fertilising with Heijnen Starter Fertiliser. This promotes root development and strong growth.Spring (March/April): fertilise in early spring to encourage good growth and maintain healthy, vigorous plants. Use an organic maintenance fertiliser such as Heijnen Maintenance Fertiliser, cow manure pellets, or a universal hedge fertiliser.Summer (June/July): a second application in summer helps maintain vigour, leaf colour, and hedge density, especially in poor soils or with vigorous growth. Summer fertilisation also prevents nutrient deficiencies and helps ivy resist stress.Fertilisers: organic fertilisers or cow manure pellets are preferred. They release nutrients gradually, are safe for the roots, and improve soil structure. Chemical fertilisers may cause leaf scorch or root damage if used incorrectly.Compost: on poorer sandy soils, it is wise to spread a layer of compost or garden soil around the hedge once a year. This improves soil structure and supports stronger ivy growth.pH value: ivy grows best in neutral to slightly acidic soils (pH 6–7). Adding lime is usually unnecessary unless the soil is very acidic (pH lower than 5.5).
The main ornamental values of ivy in the garden
Hedera is widely used in our gardens for several reasons. Below you will find an overview of the main ornamental values of ivy (Hedera):
Evergreen hedge: ivy plants do not lose their leaves in winter and therefore remain evergreen all year round. This makes them a perfect framework for any garden, providing colour in every season. As a hedge, Hedera offers year-round privacy and shelter with its attractive foliage.Fast-growing: with a growth rate of 50–70 cm per year, and in favourable conditions sometimes up to 100 cm per year, ivy is one of the fastest-growing garden plants in our range. This means you can quickly create a fully covered hedge, wall, or façade on a modest budget. Prefer a slower-growing ivy? Then opt for the variegated varieties.Strong and easy plant: ivy grows well in almost any position and soil type (as long as it is not waterlogged), is resistant to most pests and diseases, is drought-tolerant, and responds very well to pruning. This makes it highly suitable for gardeners with little experience. With ivy, very little can go wrong.Versatile garden plant: ivy can add ornamental value to the garden in many ways – as a hedge, trained against a fence or façade, climbing over a pergola, as ground cover, and even in containers combined with other plants.Ecological value: older, unpruned Hedera will eventually flower in September and October. The nectar is an important food source for bees, bumblebees, and butterflies. Birds then enjoy the berries that appear in winter after flowering. Thanks to its dense structure, ivy also provides excellent nesting and sheltering places for birds and insects.
Well-known and widely used types of ivy hedge plants
Heijnen Plants offers two types of Hedera in its range that are perfectly suited for use as hedges, partly because the plants are already trained onto bamboo canes in the nursery and therefore come in a considerable height. Below you can read more about these species and their characteristic features:
Hedera hibernica hedge (Irish ivy): this variety has large, leathery leaves (approx. 8–15 cm) with 3–5 lobes, giving Hedera hibernica a strong, robust appearance. Its growth is very fast (approx. 80–150 cm per year), with longer internodes and thick shoots; as a result, it quickly forms a dense screen on mesh panels and effortlessly covers large façades. Its aerial roots cling firmly; on old, porous walls it is safer to use a trellis to avoid potential damage. Evergreen and hardy; the foliage may take on a bronze tint in strong easterly winds but recovers in spring. Maintenance: usually requires 2–3 pruning sessions per year to control vigorous growth. Advantages: speed, mass, and rapid privacy. Disadvantages: coarser texture, less suitable for fine detailing or pots; can become invasive if not pruned regularly.Hedera helix hedge (common ivy): Hedera helix has slightly smaller leaves (approx. 3–8 cm), often more deeply lobed with pronounced veins; the overall texture appears finer and more uniform. It grows quickly but in a more controlled manner (approx. 50–100 cm per year), branches strongly, and has shorter internodes: making it ideal for neat, compact hedges and smaller gardens. Very hardy and evergreen; numerous cultivars are available, from vigorous green types (‘Woerner’) to variegated forms (‘Goldheart’, ‘Glacier’; slower growing and requiring less pruning). Maintenance: usually 1–2 pruning sessions per year are sufficient. It also clings well; when used on façades, however, it is advisable to provide mesh support to avoid potential damage to walls. Advantages: fine texture, keeps its form well, versatile (also suitable for pots and balconies). Disadvantages: slightly slower growth, meaning it takes a little longer to achieve a fully dense screen.
The advantages and disadvantages of ivy / an ivy hedge in the garden
Ivy is a popular hedge and climbing plant that offers both practical and decorative value in the garden. Below you can find the main advantages and disadvantages of ivy (Hedera) in the garden:
Advantages of an ivy hedge
Evergreen and opaque: ivy retains its leaves all year round. This means that an ivy hedge provides privacy, shelter, and noise reduction throughout the year.Fast-growing and versatile: with an annual growth rate of 50–100 cm (Hedera helix) and up to 150 cm (Hedera hibernica), ivy quickly forms a dense hedge. In addition, it can be used as a hedge, ground cover, or climbing plant.Broadly adaptable in the garden: ivy grows well in sun, partial shade, and full shade. This makes it suitable for locations where other hedge plants may not thrive.Low-maintenance: ivy is very robust, recovers well after pruning, and can last for decades. Apart from pruning, fertilising, and watering during prolonged dry spells, it requires little special care.Ecological value: flowers (only on older, unpruned ivy) appear in autumn, providing nectar for bees and butterflies at a time when few other plants are in bloom. The black berries in winter are a food source for birds, while the dense foliage offers nesting opportunities.Long lifespan: ivy can live for decades, continuously renewing itself through strong root and shoot development. It is highly tolerant of pruning and recovers quickly, even after hard cutting back.Sustainable alternative to fencing: instead of wooden fences, ivy can be used as a hedge. This provides a more natural look and, in the long term, requires less replacement than timber materials.Resistant to pests and diseases: ivy is generally very resistant to common plant diseases and pests.
Disadvantages of an ivy hedge
Clinging and invasive growth: ivy attaches itself with aerial (adventitious) roots to walls and fences. On old, porous walls, this may cause damage. Left unpruned, the plant can quickly become invasive and overgrow other vegetation. Regular pruning is therefore essential.Regular pruning required: due to its vigorous growth, ivy needs pruning at least once or twice a year to maintain a neat shape. Without pruning, the hedge becomes untidy and can grow too large.Sensitivity of certain varieties: green-leaved types are very hardy, but variegated cultivars such as ‘Goldheart’ or ‘Glacier’ are more sensitive to frost and slower growing, making them less quick to form a dense hedge.Risk of leaf discolouration: during severe frost and cold winds, leaves may turn bronze. The plant does recover in spring, but the ornamental value can be temporarily reduced.Competition with other plants: as ground cover or hedge, ivy’s dense root system and rapid growth can suppress other plantings. Combinations therefore need to be chosen carefully, and regular pruning is crucial to prevent problems.
Buying an ivy hedge from Heijnen
You can buy an ivy hedge easily and affordably online at Heijnen. Since 1976, the Heijnen family has been cultivating a wide range of hedge plants, including the popular climbing ivy (Hedera helix and Hedera hibernica). This easy-to-grow hedge plant is ideal for almost any garden and is delivered directly from our nursery. This way, you are always assured of top-quality ivy plants at a competitive price. Our hedge plants are carefully selected for quality, ensuring you can enjoy a healthy, strong hedge for many years to come. Hedera is evergreen, fast-growing, and forms a full, dense hedge that provides complete privacy and shelter within a short time. With it, you can easily create a stylish, opaque hedge that adds fresh green colour to your garden all year round. Do you still have questions, need help, or would you like advice on buying and planting an ivy hedge? Feel free to contact our experienced plant specialists by email or telephone.
Buy your ivy hedge directly from Heijnen and benefit from:
Top-quality ivy hedge plants, fresh from our own nursery.
Fast and careful delivery, straight to your home within a few working days.
Personal, tailored advice from our experienced plant specialists.
Alternative Hedge Plants for the Hedera
Would you prefer a different type of hedge than the Hedera? Then discover our popular and possible alternatives here: