- English ivy (Hedera helix) is the most popular species grown in the United States according to the University of Florida. It is an evergreen vine that spreads across the ground in a thick green mat and can climb up to 50 feet. Arborescens is an all-green variety of English ivy while Glacier has leaves variegated with gray, green and pink with white leaf margins. Baltica, Bulgaria and Hebron are hardy varieties.
- Algerian ivy (H. caneriensis) has large, shiny green leaves about 5 to 8 inches in diameter. The leaves are spaced farther apart on the stem than on English ivy. The variety Variegata has leaves edged with yellowish white. Gloire de Marengo has burgundy petioles with leaves variegated green and white.
- Persian ivy (H. colchica) has the largest leaves of all the ivies, according to Clemson University. They are oval to heart shaped, between 3 and 7 inches wide and about 10 inches long. It is a cold-hardy species. The variety Dentata has finely toothed leaves and the variegated type. Dentata Variegata has teeth and is mottled with deep-green, gray and creamy-white colors. Sulphur Heart has yellow centered leaves.
- Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) is a different species of ivy. It is deciduous and its leaves change from a deep, glossy green to brilliant red-orange in the fall. Boston ivy grows up to 50 or 60 feet. The variety Beverly Brooks is grown for its bright red fall color. Lowii has small leaves to create a fine textured look. Purpurea has reddish-purple foliage all throughout the summer. Fenway Park has yellow foliage.
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