Hedera hibernica, commonly known as Atlantic Ivy or Irish Ivy (not Boston Ivy, which is Parthenocissus tricuspidata), is an evergreen climbing vine native to the maritime climates of western Europe, particularly along the Atlantic coast. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, scrub areas, and rocky sites, often near the ocean where it can tolerate salt spray. This vigorous climber can reach heights of 20–30 meters when provided with suitable surfaces such as trees, cliffs, or walls, and it can also spread as ground cover in the absence of vertical supports. Its aerial rootlets allow it to cling firmly to substrates.

Atlantic Ivy is appreciated for its lush, dense foliage, which remains green throughout the year, and its ability to cover unsightly structures quickly. It blooms in late summer to early autumn (September–October), with small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers that are followed by blue-black berries. The plant is slightly poisonous, including the berries, and should be handled with care. It has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its ornamental qualities. Commonly used for ground cover, wall decoration, and in urban landscaping, it requires minimal maintenance once established. However, it can become invasive, especially in North America, where it outcompetes native species in mild winter regions. Gardeners should manage its growth to prevent it from overtaking other plants and structures. It adapts to a range of light conditions, from full sun to full shade, and prefers soils with good drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0