Bršljan, commonly known as ivy, is a popular and adaptable evergreen plant. It is known for its vigorous growth, covering many surfaces, and is often chosen for its lush foliage and groundcover capabilities.
Understanding Bršljan (Common Ivy)
Bršljan, scientifically known as Hedera helix, is also known as English or European Ivy. Its distinct leaves typically have three to five lobes in their juvenile stage, appearing dark green, sometimes with pale veins. Mature leaves on flowering stems can become unlobed and more ovate.
Native to most of Europe, parts of western Asia, and northern Africa, Hedera helix grows as a dense groundcover or a climbing vine. It ascends structures like trees and walls using aerial rootlets that cling to surfaces, allowing it to reach heights up to 80 feet or more.
Planting and Establishment
Select an appropriate site for planting Hedera helix. It tolerates partial to full shade, and some sun, but protect it from intense, direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. It thrives across USDA hardiness zones 4-13 and prefers cooler temperatures, generally between 50°F and 70°F.
The plant adapts to various soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. It performs best in well-draining, moist, and fertile ground rich in organic matter. Good drainage is important to prevent waterlogging and root issues. When planting, space individual plants appropriately for their spreading nature, and provide initial thorough watering for establishment.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent soil moisture benefits established Hedera helix, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry slightly before watering again, ensuring excess water drains. Reduce watering frequency during winter, but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth in spring and summer. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) applied every two to four weeks at half strength is suitable. Reduce or cease fertilization during cooler dormant periods.
Pruning maintains the plant’s shape, controls size, and promotes dense, vigorous growth. The optimal time for significant pruning is late winter to early spring, before new growth emerges. Light trimming can occur throughout the year as needed. Remove overgrown sections, dead or diseased foliage, and trim back any parts extending beyond desired boundaries.
Common Problems and Solutions
Hedera helix can encounter pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Mite feeding symptoms include yellow stippling on leaves, and severe infestations may show webbing. These pests can often be dislodged with a strong spray of water, or treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
The plant is generally resistant to many diseases, but some fungal and bacterial issues can occur. Bacterial leaf spot appears as pale green, water-soaked spots that turn brown or black, often with yellow borders. Root rot, characterized by wilting and yellowing leaves, occurs when soil remains too wet, often due to poor drainage. Ensuring proper air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing infected leaves can help manage these problems. Yellowing leaves can also indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies; adjust watering and fertilizing as needed.
Important Considerations for Growing Bršljan
While Hedera helix is a popular ornamental plant, its vigorous growth can pose significant challenges. It is recognized as an invasive species in many regions, capable of outcompeting and smothering native vegetation, creating “ivy deserts” where it dominates the landscape. It spreads readily through runners and seeds, which are dispersed by birds.
The plant’s aerial rootlets allow it to climb and cling to structures, including buildings and trees. On buildings, these roots can leave unsightly residue and potentially damage mortar or lift tiles. When climbing trees, dense ivy can block sunlight from the host tree’s foliage, impeding photosynthesis and potentially causing the tree to decline or even die. The added weight of the ivy can also make trees more susceptible to falling during storms.
Hedera helix contains compounds, specifically triterpenoid saponins, that are toxic to humans and many animals if ingested. Symptoms can range from mild stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea to skin irritation upon contact. The leaves are generally more toxic than the berries. Responsible cultivation involves containing its spread, regular monitoring, and considering native alternatives like Green-and-gold (Chrysogonum virginianum) or Allegheny spurge (Pachysandra procumbens) for groundcover needs.