Easy to grow, versatile, and great for wildlife, ivy is one of the best garden climbers, and it makes a good houseplant too. Hazel Sillver looks at how to grow this festive evergreen.
There are a number of plants that are inextricably linked with Christmas holly wreaths, mistletoe at parties, poinsettia presents and the big tree at the centre of it all. Ivy is also part of the Christmas picture, whether it is decorating the wreath on the door or draped around the mantlepiece. It is a tradition as old as pagan times to decorate the house in mid-winter with evergreen material to hark off evil spirits and as a symbol of hope and continuity of life.
There are a number of plants that are inextricably linked with Christmas holly wreaths, mistletoe at parties, poinsettia presents and the big tree at the centre of it all. Ivy is also part of the Christmas picture, whether it is decorating the wreath on the door or draped around the mantlepiece. It is a tradition as old as pagan times to decorate the house in mid-winter with evergreen material to hark off evil spirits and as a symbol of hope and continuity of life.