• Many varieties of ivy are known for their ability to climb walls, buildings and fences.ivy image by chrisharvey from Fotolia.com
  
  Ivy is a type of plant from the genus Hedera. It is most commonly used as a ground cover in gardens. Ivy usually has evergreen leaves with small flowers that bloom in bunches. Generally a hardy plant, ivy survives in a wide range of climate conditions. There are several different varieties of ivy, some of which are known for their fast growth.
  
  

English Ivy

• The English Ivy is a common fast-growing variety of ivy. According to the website About Ivy, English Ivy generally has fan-shaped leaves which are a silvery green color. The plant is most often used as ground cover. It may also be used as hanging ivy, and is known to cover walls, buildings and fences for outdoor decoration. English Ivy can thrive and adapt in many different environments. It is recommended to frequently trim English Ivy to avoid it from growing out of control.
  
  

Boston Ivy

• The Boston Ivy, also known as the Japanese Creeper, is a variety of ivy that originated in eastern Asia. It is a fast-growing ivy known for its ability to attach to the sides of a wall, fence or building using its gripping tendrils. According to the Better Homes and Gardens website, the Boston ivy can climb up to 70 feet tall. During the summer, the ivy will grow purple-colored fruits. Keep the fruit away from children and pets, as it is poisonous. In the fall, the leaves on the Boston Ivy will change colors from dark green to a rich red.
  
  

Melanie Ivy

• Melanie Ivy is a type of ground ivy. Unlike the Boston Ivy and English Ivy, this variety is slow growing. It is easily adaptable to various climate conditions and thrives year-round. According to the website BigGreenThumb.com, the Melanie Ivy is known for its large green leaves that curl along the edges. It also has narrow, maroon-colored veins.
  
  

Grape Ivy

• The Grape Ivy is another slow-growing ivy. The plant typically grows to about 18 inches in height. According to the website About Ivy, it is known for its compound leaves that have a shiny, dark green color, is easy to care for and can survive in various climate conditions. The Grape Ivy can thrive in outdoor gardens as well as indoors in a hanging basket.