Ivy is present all over the world. There are a wide variety of species that differ in terms of leaf color and winter hardiness. Three types of ivy in particular play an important role in our latitudes.
What types of ivy are there in Central Europe?
The most common ivy species in Central Europe are Hedera helix (common ivy), Hedera helix Goldheart, Hedera hibernica (Irish ivy) and Hedera colchica (Caucasian ivy). They differ in robustness, leaf size, adhesive roots and winter hardiness.
There are countless species of ivy around the world
There are a large number of ivy species worldwide, which are also represented in different varieties. Ivy always produces green leaves, which depending on the variety can be variegated, i.e. with yellow or white spots.
All ivy species found in Europe are hardy. Only the variegated varieties do not tolerate frost as well as plain ivy and should therefore be kept in protected locations or as houseplants.
Native ivy species
Four types of ivy play a role in Central Europe:
- Hedera helix
- Hedera helix Goldheart
- Hedera hibernica
- Hedera colchica
This is how the local ivy species differ from each other
Hedera helix, also called common ivy, is particularly robust and grows wherever there is enough soil moisture. This species is absolutely winter hardy. Hedera helix Goldheart differs from common ivy by the golden yellow heart in the center of the leaf. It needs more light because this is the only way the colors can develop properly. Goldheart does not tolerate cold temperatures as well and is therefore grown in sheltered locations or in pots.
Hedera hibernica is also called Irish ivy. This type of ivy has larger leaves and is not quite as hardy. The adhesive roots are less strong than those of Hedera helix. If you want to add greenery to a facade, you should therefore plant Irish ivy.
Hedera colchica – Caucasian ivy – has rather weak adhesive roots. This is why this species is less suitable for greening walls, as the plant detaches easily in adverse weather conditions such as storms. At around ten meters, Hedera colchica is not quite as tall as the other types of ivy.
Is red ivy a specific type of ivy?
Sometimes the leaves of the ivy turn red. This is not another type of ivy. The red color is caused by sugar molecules in the leaves.
Some varieties of ivy turn red in autumn when temperatures drop. Red ivy leaves are a sign that the variety is particularly hardy.
Direct sunlight can also cause the ivy leaves to take on a reddish color. However, only the leaves in direct sunlight are affected. Leaves growing on the same shoot in the shade have the normal green color.
Particularly poisonous: American poison sumac
In America, ivy is one of the highly poisonous plants. Poison sumac contains a strong contact poison that can cause severe burns to the skin.
Tip
All types of ivy are poisonous. The toxins are contained in all parts of the plant. The berries are particularly dangerous, although they only develop when the ivy is older.
