Lower South
January, 2001
Regional Report
Web Finds
Houseplants
The following Web sites from state universities in our region provide a wealth of information on houseplants and their care:
Houseplants by the Texas A&M University Extension Service
(http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/publications/houseplant/houseplant.html)
Index of Ornamental Plants by the Texas A&M University Extension Service
(http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/greenhouse/ornamentals/index.html)
Houseplants by the University of Arkansas Extension Service
(www.uaex.edu/hort/shrubs.htm)
Favorite or New Plant
English Ivy
Few plants offer the fast growth and easy care of dwarf forms of English ivy (Hedera helix). I like to plant them in hanging baskets and as a ground cover mixed with other foliage plants. Variegated forms (with white-edged leaves) are available, as are some with very interesting, finely cut foliage.
English ivy grows best with plenty of light and adequate moisture. Most varieties are hardy enough for perennial outdoor planting in most of the lower South. I even have success with growing them indoors as houseplants.
