What Grows Well with Ivy in a Pot? 10 Best Plant Companions
A common question is: What grows well with ivy in a pot? My answer: plants that thrive in similar moist, shaded environments like ferns, hostas, and begonias. Ivy pairs best with plants that can handle part shade and regular watering.
In this guide, you’ll discover exactly which plants work and which don’t. Let’s get started.
What Grows Well With Ivy in a Pot? (Top 10 Plants)
Ivy pairs well with various plants in a pot, especially those that thrive in similar shady and moist conditions. Ferns, hostas, coleus, begonias, and more are great companions.
Let’s look at all ten:
Ferns
| Factor | Details |
| Plant Examples | Boston Fern, Maidenhair Fern |
| Height/Size | 1-3 feet |
| Light Requirements | Indirect light, shade |
| Temperature Tolerance | 60-75°F |
Ferns are one of the best plants to grow with ivy in a pot. They love the same shaded and moist conditions that ivy thrives in. I’ve planted ivy with ferns many times, and they really complement each other. The delicate, feathery leaves of ferns look lovely.
Ferns prefer indirect light, just like ivy, making them perfect for pots in shady areas. They’re also fairly low-maintenance, so you don’t need to spend much time worrying about them.
So, if you’re thinking about what to plant with ivy in pots, I’d say ferns are a great option. Plus, they don’t get too tall, so they won’t crowd the ivy. Both plants also love regular watering and stay happy in the same type of soil.
Hostas
| Factor | Details |
| Plant Examples | Blue Mouse Ears, Miniature Hostas |
| Height/Size | 6-18 inches |
| Light Requirements | Shade, part shade |
| Temperature Tolerance | 55-80°F |
Hostas are another great choice when you’re figuring out what grows well with ivy in a pot. But why? Well, the hostas’ broad, lush leaves look amazing next to ivy. Moreover, hostas thrive in shady areas, which makes them an ideal partner for ivy.
Since both plants enjoy moist soil, you don’t have to worry about different watering needs. It’s super convenient if you’re someone who doesn’t want to fuss over different plants.
One thing I love about hostas is how easy they are to grow. They stay small and are perfect for pots, making them great English ivy companion plants. Whether you’re planting ivy indoors or outdoors, hostas can help create a balanced display.
If you’re growing ivy outdoors, you may want to explore plants that repel garter snakes for added peace in your garden.
Coleus
| Factor | Details |
| Plant Examples | Kong Coleus, Rainbow Coleus |
| Height/Size | 12-18 inches |
| Light Requirements | Part shade |
| Temperature Tolerance | 60-75°F |
If you’re thinking about what grows well with ivy in a pot indoors, coleus should definitely be on your list. I’ve always enjoyed pairing these two because Coleus has bright, multicolored leaves that really stand out. Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, coleus adds a bold visual to any pot arrangement.
The good thing about coleus is that it’s easy to care for. Like ivy, it loves part-shade conditions. Both plants prefer moist soil, so you don’t have to worry about different watering schedules.
I’ve found coleus grows pretty fast but stays compact, which makes it a perfect companion for ivy in a pot.
One thing to keep in mind, though: coleus is sensitive to cold, so if you have it outdoors, bring it inside when temperatures drop. This makes it better suited for pots that you can move around.
Begonias
| Factor | Details |
| Plant Examples | Wax Begonias, Tuberous Begonias |
| Height/Size | 6-18 inches |
| Light Requirements | Part shade |
| Temperature Tolerance | 65-75°F |
Begonias are another excellent option if you want to add some flowers to your ivy pot. Begonias thrive in part shade, which is perfect for ivy since both plants prefer areas without direct sun. They’re also relatively low-maintenance and don’t need a lot of attention once they’re planted.
If you’re wondering about the best pots for ivy plants, begonias make a great addition, as they don’t take up too much space and thrive in similar conditions.
One of the things I enjoy about begonias is their variety. You can choose between:
- Wax begonias for a more compact look.
- Tuberous begonias if you want something a bit showier.
Either way, the flowers add a cheerful touch to the ivy’s greenery.
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
| Factor | Details |
| Plant Examples | Palace Purple, Firefly Coral Bells |
| Height/Size | 6-18 inches |
| Light Requirements | Part shade |
| Temperature Tolerance | 60-75°F |
Heuchera, or coral bells, is a fantastic companion plant for ivy because of its striking foliage. When I first planted heuchera alongside ivy, I loved how the deep purples and bright reds of the leaves contrasted with ivy’s green vines.
The colors together make a pot look so vibrant, even if there aren’t any flowers.
Coral bells are pretty easy to take care of, which is why I recommend them. They like part shade, just like ivy, and both plants enjoy moist soil.
I also found that heuchera doesn’t grow too tall, so it won’t overpower the ivy. If you’re thinking about companion plants for indoor ivy or even outdoor pots, heuchera should definitely be on your list.
Geraniums
| Factor | Details |
| Plant Examples | Ivy-leaved Geraniums, Zonal Geraniums |
| Height/Size | 12-24 inches |
| Light Requirements | Part shade, full sun |
| Temperature Tolerance | 65-85°F |
Geraniums, especially ivy-leaved geraniums, are a great match for ivy in pots. I’ve found that these two plants share similar growth habits, which makes them ideal partners. Ivy-leaved geraniums have trailing stems that work perfectly with the cascading growth of ivy.
What I really love about geraniums is their cheerful blooms. While ivy provides the rich greenery, geraniums bring in the color. They also tolerate part shade, so you can plant them with ivy without any worries.
In my experience, geraniums don’t need much attention once they’re established. They’re pretty tough and can handle a variety of conditions.
So, if you’re wondering, what grows well with ivy in a pot outdoors, note that Geraniums definitely do. And the ivy-leaved varieties are particularly good because they mimic the vine-like growth of ivy.
Impatiens
| Factor | Details |
| Plant Examples | New Guinea Impatiens, Busy Lizzies |
| Height/Size | 6-24 inches |
| Light Requirements | Part shade |
| Temperature Tolerance | 60-75°F |
Impatiens are a colorful and lively companion to ivy. I’ve often paired them together in pots because impatiens produce beautiful flowers.
What makes impatiens a great choice is that they thrive in part shade, just like ivy. They’re not too picky about light and do well in areas where they get filtered sunlight. I find this pairing works best in pots that you can keep in shady spots, like under a tree or in a covered patio.
The best part? Both impatiens and ivy love moist soil, so they’re super easy to care for together.
Caladium
| Factor | Details |
| Plant Examples | Red Flash, White Queen |
| Height/Size | 12-30 inches |
| Light Requirements | Part shade, indirect light |
| Temperature Tolerance | 65-85°F |
When I researched what grows well with ivy in a pot indoors, caladium stood out as a top choice. It is a striking plant with its vibrant, heart-shaped leaves. Whenever I’ve planted caladium with ivy, the two plants create a really bold and eye-catching display.
Like ivy, caladium loves moist soil and part shade, so they work well together in the same pot. What I appreciate about caladium is that it doesn’t need direct sunlight, which makes it ideal for indoor ivy pots or shaded outdoor areas.
Pansies
| Factor | Details |
| Plant Examples | Winter Pansies, Giant Pansies |
| Height/Size | 4-10 inches |
| Light Requirements | Full sun to part shade |
| Temperature Tolerance | 45-65°F |
I’ve always loved using pansies with ivy because they’re hardy and provide beautiful blooms during cooler months. If you’re looking for what grows well with ivy in a pot outdoors, pansies are a great choice for the cooler seasons. Their bright flowers really stand out against ivy’s dark leaves.
I usually plant them in pots by the front door or on the patio.
Pansies are very versatile when it comes to light. They also thrive in cooler temperatures, which is great if you’re placing your pots outdoors in the fall or spring.
Sweet Alyssum
| Factor | Details |
| Plant Examples | Snow Princess, White Alyssum |
| Height/Size | 3-6 inches |
| Light Requirements | Full sun to part shade |
| Temperature Tolerance | 55-70°F |
Sweet Alyssum is a charming little plant that pairs wonderfully with ivy. I love using it because the small white flowers of alyssum look lovely against the deep green of ivy’s leaves.
Alyssum thrives in full sun to part shade, so it works well in both indoor and outdoor pots with ivy. Both ivy and alyssum love moist soil, making them a low-maintenance duo.
So, these are the ten plants you can grow with ivy in a pot.
Which Plants Should You Avoid Planting with Ivy in Pots?
Some plants don’t work well with ivy due to conflicting growth requirements. Succulents, cacti, rosemary, and drought-tolerant plants are some of them. Experts also don’t recommend growing tall sun-loving plants and slow-growing plants with ivy.
Why? Well, ivy prefers moist soil and shaded conditions.
Succulents and Cacti
| Factor | Details |
| Plant Examples | Jade Plant, Barrel Cactus |
| Height/Size | 6-36 inches |
| Light Requirements | Full sun |
| Temperature Tolerance | 60-90°F |
Succulents and cacti do not pair well with ivy in pots, mainly because they thrive in completely different conditions. I’ve tried growing succulents with ivy once, and it didn’t go well at all. Succulents like jade plants and cacti prefer dry, well-drained soil, while ivy needs moist soil to thrive.
Succulents also need full sunlight, whereas ivy does better in shaded or partially shaded areas. So, combining the two in one pot means one plant won’t be happy.
I’ve noticed that succulents often rot when planted in the same pot as ivy because of the higher moisture levels required by the ivy.
If you’re thinking about mixing these two, it’s best to avoid it. While succulents are great on their own, they’re not compatible with ivy’s moisture and light needs.
Instead, I recommend keeping succulents and cacti in their own pots with fast-draining soil to give them the dry environment they need.
Herbs like Rosemary or Lavender
| Factor | Details |
| Plant Examples | Rosemary, Lavender |
| Height/Size | 12-36 inches |
| Light Requirements | Full sun |
| Temperature Tolerance | 60-80°F |
Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and lavender are not suitable companions for ivy. I’ve tried this combination before, thinking the different textures would look great together, but it didn’t work out.
The main issue is that herbs like rosemary and lavender need drier conditions and a lot of sunlight. In comparison, Ivy likes things moist and shady.
These herbs are native to Mediterranean climates, which means they don’t tolerate soggy soil. I found that rosemary’s roots became waterlogged when planted with ivy. Plus, rosemary and lavender require full sun, which is the opposite of what ivy needs.
If you want to grow herbs and ivy, I’d suggest keeping them in separate pots. This way, you can give each plant the specific light and watering conditions they need to thrive.
Drought-Tolerant Plants
| Factor | Details |
| Plant Examples | Sedum, Artemisia |
| Height/Size | 6-24 inches |
| Light Requirements | Full sun |
| Temperature Tolerance | 50-80°F |
Drought-tolerant plants like sedum and artemisia are a poor match for ivy because they require very little water.
When I experimented with planting sedum alongside ivy, the results were not good. Sedum needs dry, well-drained soil and can go long periods without watering, which is the opposite of ivy’s needs.
If I watered enough for the ivy, the sedum would get waterlogged and begin to rot. If I reduced the watering for the sedum, the ivy would start to dry out and suffer.
It’s best to keep drought-tolerant plants in their own pots with soil that drains quickly.
Tall, Sun-Loving Plants
| Factor | Details |
| Plant Examples | Sunflowers, Corn |
| Height/Size | 3-10 feet |
| Light Requirements | Full sun |
| Temperature Tolerance | 65-85°F |
Tall, sun-loving plants like sunflowers and corn are not good companions for ivy. Sunflowers need full sun, while ivy prefers partial to full shade.
In addition to conflicting light requirements, sunflowers, and other tall plants often need more root space than what a typical pot can provide.
Slow-Growing Plants
| Factor | Details |
| Plant Examples | Japanese Maple, Boxwood |
| Height/Size | 3-6 feet |
| Light Requirements | Part sun |
| Temperature Tolerance | 55-75°F |
Slow-growing plants like Japanese maple or boxwood are not ideal companions for ivy. I’ve noticed that ivy tends to grow quickly and can easily outcompete these slower-growing plants for nutrients, space, and light.
Ivy’s vigorous growth can end up overwhelming slow-growing plants, making it hard for them to establish themselves.
Woody Shrubs
| Factor | Details |
| Plant Examples | Hydrangea, Rhododendron |
| Height/Size | 3-8 feet |
| Light Requirements | Part sun |
| Temperature Tolerance | 50-75°F |
Woody shrubs like hydrangea and rhododendron aren’t good choices for planting with ivy in pots. I’ve seen people try this combination, but it rarely works out well.
Woody shrubs typically need more root space than what a small or medium-sized pot can provide. Ivy’s roots can crowd out the roots of these shrubs.
Additionally, woody shrubs can require different soil types.
Delicate Plants
| Factor | Details |
| Plant Examples | Primrose, Bleeding Heart |
| Height/Size | 6-18 inches |
| Light Requirements | Part shade |
| Temperature Tolerance | 55-70°F |
Delicate plants like primrose or bleeding heart don’t do well with ivy in pots. Ivy’s rapid growth can quickly smother or outcompete these more fragile plants.
I’ve seen this happen in pots where the ivy’s vines simply took over.
If you want to grow delicate, shade-loving plants, give them a separate pot where they can grow without being overrun by ivy. This will allow them to thrive without competition for light, water, or nutrients.
FAQs
What grows well with ivy in a pot outdoors?
Many shade-loving and moisture-loving plants grow well with ivy in a pot outdoors. Some great outdoor companions for ivy include ferns, hostas, begonias, and impatiens. These plants share similar light and water needs, making them ideal partners for ivy in a garden or patio setting.
What grows well with ivy in a pot indoors?
Indoor ivy thrives when paired with plants like caladium, sweet alyssum, and coleus. These plants prefer indirect light and enjoy similar watering schedules, making them excellent indoor companions for ivy.
What are some of the best pots for ivy plants?
The best pots for ivy plants are those with good drainage and enough room for growth. When selecting pots for ivy, make sure they have drainage holes and provide enough space for the ivy’s roots to spread.
Terracotta pots work well because they allow moisture to escape while maintaining good airflow to the roots.
What is the best soil for ivy indoors?
The best soil for ivy indoors is one that retains moisture but drains well. A potting mix, like moss, works great for indoor ivy. This type of soil holds enough water to keep the roots moist while also preventing waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Conclusion
To sum up:
- Ferns, hostas, and coleus make great companion plants for ivy in pots.
- Avoid pairing ivy with succulents, cacti, or other drought-tolerant plants.
- Geraniums, begonias, and impatiens add pops of color while complementing ivy’s trailing vines.
- Tall, sun-loving plants like sunflowers don’t mix well with ivy’s shade-loving nature.
- Keep delicate plants like primrose separate, as ivy can quickly overwhelm them.
That’s all.
