Yes, there are numerous different types of English Ivy (Hedera helix) varieties. Through centuries of cultivation and natural variation, horticulturists have selected and propagated a wide array of cultivars that exhibit significant differences in leaf morphology, growth habit, coloration, and overall size. This diversity makes Hedera helix one of the most versatile and widely used ornamental climbing and groundcover plants in temperate landscapes.
It is first important to clarify that "English Ivy" most commonly refers to Hedera helix, a species native to Europe and Western Asia. However, other species within the Hedera genus, such as Hedera hibernica (Atlantic or Irish Ivy) and Hedera colchica (Persian Ivy), are sometimes grouped under the common name. For the purpose of discussing cultivated varieties, the focus is primarily on the numerous cultivars derived from Hedera helix, which are selected for their unique ornamental traits.
The vast number of English Ivy varieties can be categorized based on several key botanical characteristics. The most prominent differentiator is leaf variegation and color. Varieties range from solid, deep green to those with striking patterns of white, cream, yellow, or silver. The leaf shape is another major factor, with cultivars exhibiting leaves that can be heart-shaped, fan-shaped, curly, deeply lobed, or nearly strap-like. Growth habit also varies, with some cultivars being strongly climbing, others more bushy and suited for hanging baskets, and some exhibiting a dwarf or miniature growth pattern.
The diversity is best illustrated by specific examples of popular Hedera helix cultivars. 'Goldchild' is a classic variegated variety with small, grey-green leaves edged in a bright, buttery yellow. 'Glacier' offers a similar but more silvery-grey variegation pattern. For uniquely shaped foliage, 'Ivalace' has shiny, dark green leaves with curled edges that give them a lacquered, sculpted appearance. 'Parsley Crested' (Cristata) features unusual, ruffled leaf margins. In contrast, 'Pittsburgh' is a vigorous, all-green variety valued for its hardiness, while 'Needlepoint' is prized for its small, sharply pointed lobes on each leaf.
A critical botanical aspect of all English Ivy varieties is their distinct juvenile and adult growth phases. The familiar lobed, climbing, or trailing form is the juvenile phase. Once the plant matures, often triggered by reaching the top of a support structure or simply with age, it enters the adult phase. This phase is characterized by a change to a bushy, non-climbing habit and the production of unlobed, cordate (heart-shaped) leaves. Most importantly, the adult phase is when the plant will produce umbels of greenish-yellow flowers and, subsequently, black berries. This phase change is consistent across all varieties, though the timing may differ.
