Many variants and named cultivars of English common ivy ( Hedera helix ) survive today for Texas gardeners to get as houseplant or a groundcover . Native to Europe , English English ivy is a vigorous - growing vine that climb up upward upon supports or as a distribute matrix of stems lined with five - lobed leaves . This evergreen plant vine is hardy in all portion of Texas , include the winter , and grow best in land that do n’t become too dry . institute it in part shaded to to the full shaded areas since the Texas summer Dominicus is red-hot and intense .
Function
Texans opt to plant English common ivy on their property as an alternative , low - maintenance option to turfgrass , especially in the dry , shady locating directly under magnanimous subtlety tree diagram . The Hedera helix also covers untempting range of mountains - link fences with its calendered unripened foliage and elongating stem . Stems also adhere to masonry , playact to dissemble and add grain and visual interest to build facades constructed of stucco or brick .
Geography
harmonise to the plant life adaption map provide by Texas A&M University , English ivy is adaptable to most section of Texas . In its Urban Landscape Guide , English ivy grows best " with some shade and irrigation . "
Features
English English ivy plants are either male or female in gender , producing tiny , non - showy blossom in summer . Only mature , well - establish bow bring forth the heyday upon more upright , bushy branches . When pollinate , the female plants ' flowers become pitch-black fruit that are eaten by a host of Texas songster . The leaf node on branch vines will steady down into soil and continue growing to great length , potentially overtaking andchokin - art.html'>chokingsunlight from tree upon which they grow .
Ecological Concerns
Once introduce into a garden , English ivy will spread aggressively . It multiplies and takes hold wherever its vines take root word into stark soil or forest litter , and clippings and segments will root if not promptly removed as junk , according to the Texas Invasives Database . If the English ivy matures and flowers to bring out fruits , expect wildlife to spread out the ivy seeds in their muck around the landscape .
Alternatives
If you trust a lush groundcover for your Texas garden , Texas Invasives Database list several alternative vines that are native flora and will not become ecologically troubled . confab your local conjunct extension service authority for specific recommendations on these vine , as some are better suited to soils and climate in various section of the Lone Star State . Choose from American wisteria ( Wisteria frutescens ) , trumpet creeper ( Campsis radicans ) , Virginia tree creeper ( Parthenocissus quinquefolia ) , passionflower vine ( Passiflora lutea ) or Dutchman ’s pipe ( Aristolochia macrophylla ) .
References
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