How to Grow Ground Cover - Ivy and Ferns

Wikimedia Commons

Ground Cover - Ivy and Ferns

Hedera spp. (Ivy), Polypodiopsida (Ferns)

ground cover

Ground cover ivies and ferns are low-growing plants that spread horizontally to create dense, attractive carpets of foliage. They are ideal for shaded areas, woodland gardens, and difficult slopes where traditional lawn grasses struggle. These plants require minimal maintenance once established and provide year-round greenery with ornamental appeal.

When should you plant Ground Cover - Ivy and Ferns in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Ground Cover - Ivy and Ferns timeline →

Example Ground Cover - Ivy and Ferns timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Ground Cover - Ivy and Ferns
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Ground Cover - Ivy and Ferns
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ground Cover - Ivy and Ferns dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Partial to full shade; 2-4 hours indirect light ideal. English ivy tolerates sun better than ferns

💧

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ferns prefer higher humidity; ivy is more drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply during dry spells, especially first season

📏

Spacing: 6-12 inches apart depending on variety and desired coverage speed inches

📅

Days to maturity: Varies widely; full coverage typically 12-24 months

🌱

Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; spread roots outward. Do not bury crown

Soil

Type: Well-draining, rich organic soil with good moisture retention

pH: 5.5-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Leaf mold Peat moss or coco coir Aged bark mulch

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Ivy thrives in zones 4-11; hardy ferns in zones 3-8, with some tender varieties for zones 9-11

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

Get my Ground Cover - Ivy and Ferns timeline →

Growth Stages

Establishment (Planting)

2-4 weeks

Young plants with limited root systems and few shoots. Foliage may appear stressed or sparse

Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist. Avoid planting in extreme heat. Add mulch around base (2-3 inches) to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Shelter from strong winds

Vegetative Growth

3-12 months

Vigorous spreading and shoot development. Plants expand outward and fill in gaps. Fern fronds unfurl progressively

Water deeply but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season. Prune ivy runners if needed to guide direction. Remove any winter-damaged fern fronds in early spring

Maturation & Spread

6-18 months into planting

Dense, continuous ground coverage with interconnected growth. Ivy stems may develop aerial rootlets or climbing tendencies. Fern fronds reach full size with layered appearance

Reduce watering frequency; rely on rainfall once established. Deadhead fern spores if undesired spread is a concern. Thin overly thick ivy to prevent fungal issues. Apply slow-release fertilizer annually in spring

Full Coverage

Year 2 onward (maintenance phase)

Complete ground cover with minimal bare soil visible. Dense mounding with ivy or lacy fern texture depending on species. May begin flowering (ivy) or sporulation (ferns)

Minimal intervention required. Water during drought. Remove fallen leaves to prevent rot in humid climates. Trim back ivy if encroaching on unwanted areas. Divide congested fern clumps every 3-4 years

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hostas Astilbes Woodland shade perennials Hellebores Pulmonaria Brunnera Heuchera Coral bells

Avoid planting near:

Vigorous shrubs that may shade out growth Areas with poor drainage that cause rot Shallow-rooted trees competing for moisture

Common Pests

Increase humidity with misting. Spray with water or neem oil. Ensure adequate air circulation to prevent infestation
Inspect regularly. Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab. Use insecticidal soap for heavy infestations
Prune affected stems. Apply horticultural oil spray during dormant season. Remove by hand if accessible
and
Remove debris and excess mulch where they hide. Use beer traps, copper tape, or hand-pick at dusk. Apply organic slug baits if severe
Remove infected leaves. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if widespread
Remove affected fronds immediately. Improve drainage and air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur fungicide if needed

Uses

🏠

Erosion Control & Slope Stabilization

Household

Dense root systems of ivy and ferns prevent soil erosion on hillsides and difficult terrain. Their spreading growth binds soil and reduces runoff, making them ideal for landscape stabilization without the need for retaining walls. [source]

🏠

Shaded Garden Aesthetics

Household

Provides attractive foliage texture and color in areas where lawn grass fails to thrive. Ivy offers varied leaf patterns and colors (variegated cultivars); ferns provide delicate, feathery texture that softens garden design. [source]

🦋

Habitat & Wildlife Support

Wildlife

Ivy and fern ground covers provide shelter and nesting sites for small mammals, insects, and ground-dwelling birds. The dense growth offers protection from predators and weather while supporting beneficial insect populations. [source]

💊

Ivy Traditional Uses

Medicinal

English ivy (Hedera helix) has a long history in herbal medicine, traditionally used for respiratory support and cough relief. Modern research examines its saponin compounds for potential therapeutic properties, though use should be approached cautiously. [source]

🎨

Decorative Foliage & Greenery

Craft

Ivy foliage is popular in floral arrangements, garland making, and decorative projects. Fern fronds, particularly when dried, are used in pressed flower art, craft projects, and botanical displays. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Ground covers are not harvested like food crops. For propagation: Take 4-6 inch cuttings from ivy in spring or early summer, root in moist soil. Divide established ferns in early spring before new growth, ensuring each division has at least 2-3 healthy crowns

Fun Facts

🌱 English ivy (Hedera helix) can live for over 400 years and remains one of the most versatile ground covers in temperate gardens, with hundreds of cultivated varieties offering leaves from tiny to large and colors from deep green to bright gold.
🌱 Many fern species reproduce without flowers or seeds—instead producing spores on the underside of fronds that can travel on wind currents for miles, which is why ferns often appear spontaneously in moist, shaded areas.
🌱 Ivy's aerial rootlets are modified branches that adhere to surfaces via adhesive discs, allowing it to climb vertical walls without damaging them—a feature studied by biomimicry engineers developing stronger adhesives.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Crown Deadhead Mulch Runner

Shop Ground Cover - Ivy and Ferns plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Ground Cover - Ivy and Ferns planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Ground Cover - Ivy and Ferns seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Ground Cover - Ivy and Ferns timeline →