English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a popular, fast-growing evergreen vine used as a lush ground cover or to climb vertical structures. Successful establishment begins with the initial spacing of the transplants. Setting plants at the correct distance dictates the speed of coverage, the final density of the foliage, and the total number of plants required. Strategic placement ensures the ivy establishes a strong root system and reduces the need for extensive intervention later.
Determining Your Planting Goal
The primary factor influencing how far apart you should plant English Ivy is your ultimate gardening objective. This versatile plant is commonly utilized in two distinct ways: as a dense, horizontal ground cover, or for vertical climbing. Each use requires a different approach to spacing.
Planting for ground coverage prioritizes the vines spreading outward to form a solid mat, requiring closer initial spacing. Conversely, planting for vertical climbing focuses on the plant’s ability to ascend a structure. The spacing chosen represents a trade-off between the initial investment in plants and the time required to achieve complete coverage. Closer spacing yields a faster result but increases the upfront cost, while wider spacing is more economical but delays the aesthetic outcome.
Specific Spacing for Ground Cover
When using English Ivy to create a dense ground cover, the desired coverage speed determines the spacing. This common application provides three clear density options for gardeners.
For the fastest possible coverage—often desired for erosion control or immediate aesthetic impact—plant the ivy at approximately six inches apart. This close spacing allows the stems to interlock and cover the entire area within a single growing season under optimal conditions. Gardeners must calculate the necessary number of plants to achieve this tight density.
A moderate or standard density planting balances speed and cost, achieved by spacing the plants about twelve inches apart. This distance allows for quick establishment, typically resulting in full coverage by the end of the second growing season. The plants will have more room to develop individual root systems.
For a budget-conscious or slower coverage approach, spacing can be extended to eighteen to twenty-four inches between plants. While this significantly reduces the number of plants needed, it extends the time to full coverage, possibly requiring three or more years. This wider spacing is best suited for large areas where initial cost is a major consideration.
Spacing for Vertical Climbing and Containers
Planting English Ivy to climb a vertical surface, such as a fence or wall, requires less density than ground cover applications. The ivy naturally seeks verticality once its runners encounter a structure, using aerial rootlets to cling to the surface.
A general recommendation is to plant the ivy eighteen to twenty-four inches apart at the base of the structure you wish to cover. This wider spacing is sufficient because the vines will extend upward and branch laterally as they climb, eventually filling in the space. The key is to position the plants close enough so that the young stems can immediately begin to adhere and ascend. Once a single vine reaches a significant height, its lateral growth often becomes more pronounced, creating the desired dense curtain effect.
For container gardening, which includes hanging baskets or decorative planters, the focus is on root volume and cascading aesthetics. Standard containers typically require one to three individual plants, depending on the size of the pot. Planting one well-established specimen in a smaller pot, or two to three in a larger planter, provides enough root space to thrive. This allows the foliage to spill attractively over the edges without overcrowding the root ball.
Establishing New Ivy Plants
Proper care following planting is crucial for the successful establishment of new English Ivy plants. After placing the ivy in the prepared soil at the chosen spacing, the area must be thoroughly saturated with water to settle the soil around the root balls. This initial deep watering helps to eliminate air pockets that could dry out and damage the tender roots.
For the first six to twelve months, maintaining consistent soil moisture is a priority as the plants develop a robust root system. The soil should be kept evenly moist but never allowed to become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. A practical strategy is to check the soil and water whenever the top inch or two feels dry to the touch.
To encourage the dense, lateral growth characteristic of good ground cover, newly planted tips should be pinched back. Removing the growing tip of a runner redirects the plant’s energy into producing side shoots and developing a stronger root system. This proactive pruning encourages the ivy to branch out, interlock with neighboring plants, and establish the thick mat necessary for complete coverage.