Ivy is a versatile, fast-growing plant valued in landscaping for its ability to quickly provide a lush, evergreen carpet over the ground or a dense covering on vertical surfaces. Belonging primarily to the Hedera genus, these vines transform bare areas into rich, green displays. Successfully establishing ivy requires understanding the specific needs of the chosen variety and preparing the planting site correctly. Its vigorous, trailing nature makes it an excellent choice for challenging spots, especially shaded areas where other plants struggle.
Selecting the Right Ivy and Location
Selecting the appropriate ivy species is the initial decision, as growth habits vary significantly based on your intended purpose. English ivy (Hedera helix) is the most common choice, known for its rapid growth and deep green foliage, functioning well as both a ground cover and a climbing vine due to its aerial rootlets. For less aggressive climbing or striking fall color, consider Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), a deciduous vine that clings to surfaces. Variegated English ivy cultivars, such as ‘Glacier,’ often require slightly more sunlight than all-green varieties to maintain their distinct coloration.
Ivy generally prefers partial to full shade, especially in warmer climates, as intense afternoon sun can scorch the leaves and cause foliage damage. The planting site must have well-drained soil, since ivy is highly susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. While ivy tolerates a wide range of soil types, it thrives best in a fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range around 5.5 to 7.0. If your soil is heavy clay or overly sandy, amend it by mixing in organic matter, such as composted manure or leaf mold, to improve both drainage and nutrient retention.
Detailed Planting Procedure
Before planting, clear the area of any existing weeds or grass to reduce competition for moisture and nutrients. When planting ivy as a ground cover, spacing is an important factor in determining how quickly the area will fill in. For rapid coverage, space individual plants approximately 12 to 18 inches apart. Climbing varieties should be planted near the base of the structure they are intended to cover, keeping them a foot or two away from the wall or trellis to allow root establishment before they begin their ascent.
The planting hole should be dug two to three times as wide as the root ball, but no deeper. This wider hole encourages the roots to spread outward into the surrounding soil. Gently remove the plant from its container and inspect the root ball; if the roots are tightly coiled or compacted, lightly loosen or score the outer edges. Place the ivy into the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding grade to prevent the crown from being buried and susceptible to rot. Backfill the hole with the amended soil, firming it gently around the root ball to eliminate air pockets.
Initial Watering and Support
Immediately after planting, water the ivy thoroughly and deeply to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate any remaining air pockets. This initial deep soaking is crucial for the plant’s transition and establishment in its new location. During the first growing season, newly planted ivy requires consistent moisture to develop a robust root system. Water the plants whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring the soil remains damp but never soggy, which can lead to root rot.
Applying a two-inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or pine straw, around the base of the new plants helps to conserve soil moisture and moderate soil temperature fluctuations. Ensure the mulch is kept a few inches away from the ivy’s central stem to prevent moisture buildup that could encourage stem decay. If you are planting a climbing variety against a wall or trellis, you may need to gently train the initial stems toward the support structure to encourage the aerial rootlets to attach themselves. Once the stem’s adventitious roots grip the surface, the ivy will typically become self-clinging and continue its vertical growth without further assistance.