1 / 3

Key characteristics

Family: Araliaceae
Height: Up to 6 inches
Width: Spreads 6 to 10 feet as a ground cover
Flower color: Greenish-yellow (infrequent and insignificant)
Foliage color: Glossy green with narrow, finely pointed lobes
Bloom time: Late summer to early fall
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; may require trimming to control spread or climbing
Growing zone: Zones 5 to 9
Wildlife: Provides shelter for small birds and insects; berries may attract birds (toxic to humans and pets).

Groundcovers

Hedera helix 'Needlepoint'

Needlepoint English Ivy

Hedera helix 'Needlepoint' is an evergreen ivy variety prized for its elegant, finely lobed foliage. The leaves are small, glossy, and uniquely pointed, adding a delicate texture to walls, trellises, or as a groundcover. Though primarily grown for its foliage, mature plants may produce small, spherical greenish-yellow flowers in late summer to early autumn, followed by black berries.

Native to Europe and Western Asia, this ivy has been cultivated for its versatility and ornamental appeal.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late summer to early fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Woodland Gardens
Containers
Pathways & Walkways
Under Trees

Companion plants

Fuchsias · Wild ginger · Cyclamen · Bergenia · Acorus · Mountain laurels

Design tip

Use this finely textured ivy to soften stone walls, shaded pathways, or the edges of containers where its foliage can cascade naturally. Combine bold evergreen leaves with contrasting woodland textures to create layered plantings that remain attractive throughout every season.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)