In the right conditions, ivy can be a vigorous grower. Plants should be set about one to two inches deeper than the upper layer of the potting medium, for additional root development. Ivies grow best on sites where the soil is aerated and well drained. Ivy is not tolerant of extreme drought or extended wet soil conditions.

Ivies are used in window boxes, urns and other elevated planters for cascading effect, indoors or outside; as ground covers and are trained on walls, fences, posts and trellises. Ivy is a low maintenance alternative to lawns because it is evergreen, relatively pest free, very cold hardy and fast-growing groundcover that requires little care once established.