Irish Ivy Hedge (Hedera hibernica)

Irish Ivy Hedge Plants Description

Irish Ivy (Hedera hibernica) is a vigorous, evergreen climber that is commonly used for ground cover or as a living screen when grown along walls or fences. With its large, dark green, glossy leaves, this hardy plant adds a lush, dense texture to gardens all year round. It is particularly well-suited to creating natural, wildlife-friendly hedges that offer excellent privacy and coverage.

The growth rate of Irish Ivy is fast, with the plant growing up to 50 centimetres per year under optimal conditions. This rapid growth makes it a great choice for those looking to establish a hedge or screen quickly. Irish Ivy thrives in a variety of soils and is highly tolerant of shade, although it will grow faster in full sun or partial shade. It also copes well in urban areas and coastal conditions, making it a versatile and resilient option for many different environments.

One of the key benefits of Irish Ivy is its low-maintenance nature. It provides year-round cover and can help prevent soil erosion when used as ground cover. Its dense foliage also offers shelter for wildlife, particularly birds and insects. In addition, Irish Ivy can act as a natural insulator when grown on walls, helping to regulate temperatures and reduce noise pollution.

Pruning Advice

Irish Ivy requires regular pruning to keep it under control, as its fast growth can make it invasive if left unchecked. It is best to prune once or twice a year, preferably in late spring or early autumn. Trim back any overgrown sections and remove unwanted growth to maintain the shape and prevent the plant from spreading beyond its intended area. If the ivy is being grown as a hedge, a light trim every few months may be needed to keep it looking neat.

With its rapid growth, resilience, and year-round greenery, Irish Ivy is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet effective hedge or screen.

Further Information

Planting distances are largely a matter of preference. For bare root plants, spacing them at 3 plants per metre is sufficient, 5 plants is optimal, and 7 plants in a double staggered row will result in a denser hedge more quickly. Generally, smaller plants should be planted at a higher density. For cell-grown plants, spacing at 4 plants per metre in a single row or ideally 6 plants per metre in a staggered row is recommended.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.