English Ivy Hedera helix 'Green Ripple'

Names

• Family

  Araliaceae.

• Synonyms

  English Ivy, European Ivy, Common Ivy, Ivy.

• Common names

  Hedera helix 'Green Ripple'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  English ivy contains compounds such as saponins and polyacetylene compounds, which are toxic to humans. If ingested, the plant can cause symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious reactions like inflammation of the skin or mucous membranes. Handling the plant might also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is essential to keep English ivy out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

• To pets

  English ivy is also toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats, due to the presence of saponins among other substances. If a pet ingests English ivy, they may exhibit signs of toxicity including vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more significant issues such as difficulty in breathing, coma, or rarely, death. As a result, it's imperative to prevent pets from accessing plants or plant parts.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Variegated

• Height

  6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)

• Spread

  1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  5-11

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Easy to Grow: Thrives in a variety of conditions and can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Adds greenery with its variegated leaves, enhancing the visual appeal of any space.
• Versatile Plant: Can be used as a ground cover, climbing vine, or as a potted plant.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy or novice gardeners.
• Fast Growing: Quickly covers empty spaces in gardens or walls, providing a lush look in a short period.
• Erosion Control: As a ground cover, it can help prevent soil erosion in landscapes.

Medical Properties

• Hedera helix, commonly known as English ivy, has been used in folk medicine for its expectorant properties, which may help in relieving coughs and congestion.
• It contains saponins that are thought to have mucus-clearing properties, aiding in the relief of bronchitis symptoms.
• Topical preparations made from the plant have been applied to the skin for their anti-inflammatory effects, potentially offering relief from minor pain and swelling.
• The plant has also been used traditionally to treat skin conditions due to its potential antimicrobial properties.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Hedera helix 'Green Ripple', commonly known as English ivy, can be used in topiary art, where the plant is trained to grow over a frame, forming various shapes and designs.
• English ivy can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, yielding a range of colors from yellow to soft green depending on the mordant used.
• English ivy is often used in festive decorations, particularly during winter holidays, as it can be woven into wreaths or included in table centerpieces.
• The vines of English ivy can be used in crafts for making crowns or headpieces for garden-themed parties or events.
• It can be used to create a living curtain or privacy screen on balconies or patios when grown along trellises or other vertical supports.
• English ivy can be grown as ground cover in areas where grass struggles to grow, such as under dense tree canopies.
• This plant can also be used to create a natural backdrop for aquariums, by framing the outside back glass panel with its leaves, provided it is kept outside the water.
• English ivy is suitable for creating green roof gardens, helping to insulate buildings and provide habitats for urban wildlife.
• Small clippings of English ivy can be used as natural confetti for outdoor celebrations, as they are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment than plastic alternatives.
• Photographers may use English ivy to add a touch of natural greenery to staged photoshoots or as a backdrop for portrait photography.

Feng Shui

The English Ivy, which Hedera helix 'Green Ripple' is a variety of, can be used in Feng Shui to introduce wood element energy and to promote better air quality, which is believed to enhance the overall chi in a space. It can be placed in areas that require growth and upward movement, symbolizing career advancement or personal development. However, it should be used with care as it can also bring in too much yin energy if overused or placed in a bedroom, which might lead to lethargy.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The English Ivy is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Fidelity: English Ivy, as a clinging plant, symbolizes attachment and undying affection, representing faithfulness in relationships.
• Friendship: Its ability to interweave in growth mirrors the interconnectedness and support in friendships.
• Perseverance and Determination: The plant's vigorous growth habit reflects an ability to overcome challenging conditions and persist where others might not.
• Protection: Traditionally used to ward off evil spirits, English Ivy symbolized protection and safekeeping.
• Eternal Life: Evergreen properties of English Ivy make it a symbol of immortality and eternal life.
• Memory and Remembrance: The plant's resilience and lasting nature associate it with memories that endure over time.