Hedera canariensis ( Canary Islands Ivy ) and Hedera helix ( English Ivy ) are two related plants that can be useful in gardens and landscapes. Ivy is a plant that clings to various supports by itself... it does not twine up supports like some other climbing plants. This makes Ivy useful for covering walls and fences, but Ivy can also be useful for a ground cover plant. It softens rock walls, and can be useful for erosion protection and weed suppression. Both plants are very tough, drought tolerant when established, and will tolerate some sun, but are happiest in a semi-shaded position.
Ivy are considered primarily foliage plants, as the flowers are quite insignificant. Canary Islands Ivy has the larger leaf of the two, and comes in several varieties. English Ivy has a smaller leaf, and is known for being toxic to humans and animals when eaten. Both plants are sometimes used as indoor plants. The following photos were taken from around Sydney gardens.
Canary Islands Ivy used on a stone wall
Softening a stone embankment wall
Covering a fence
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English ivy covering a rock
