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Plant Care
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Pat Hammer
Plant Care Guide

Hedera helix

English Ivy

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  • General Information
  • Buy
  • Plant
  • Sow Seeds
  • Fertilize
  • Water
  • Prune
  • Mulch
  • Protect
  • Pest/Disease Inspection
  • Treat for Pest/Disease
  • Transplant
  • Propagate
  • Harvest
  • Special requirements

General Information

There are over 400 different Hedera helix. They are very easy to grow and work in the landscape many ways. They come in an assortment of colors and leaf shapes. They are fun to collect and many things can be learned about plants by growing a few ivy. However, in our area it is important to be vigilant about making sure they are not allowed to run wild and become invasive.

Sunset Zones

USDA Zones

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Buy

When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!

January
Ivy is available as a house plant all year around and it does not matter when you buy it if you are not planting in the ground. House plant ivy is usually grown in 4" pots and 6"/8" hanging baskets.
It is best to buy groundcover ivy or landscape ivy in the late fall just before our winter rains. Landscape Ivy is available in most nurseries many months during the year and is sold in nursery flats. Generally this ivy is not labeled and is often a combination of varieties. Generally, they are the hardiest ivies and do make a great groundcover. Look closely to be sure it is only one variety. If there is more than one variety sometimes you find that some like your location and others do not. Some will tolerate more sun that others. Some will have hardier roots than others.
Any ivy will work as landscape ivy. I recommend buying ivies in the largest pots possible and plant them into the ground. They have a much larger root mass and are better equipped to handle the transition. Generally the darker green the more sun it can tolerate but I have had several variegated ivies that were perfectly happy in full sun at the coast of California.

Plant

When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?

January
When planting into the landscape it is best to do it just before the winter rains and during shorter days. If planted in late winter early spring, water in deeply and keep soil moist, not soggy, for the first few weeks to allow the roots to get established. It may take landscape ivy a full year to really get established and start growing. Once ivy is well established it can be very drought tolerant as long as it is acclimated gradually.

Sow Seeds

When can you plant these seeds? When's the best time? Can you start them indoors and move them out? Do they have any special requirements?

Fertilize

When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?

Water

Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?

January
When planting new ivies it is important to keep the soil evenly moist and avoid dry out. At first, depending on location, sun exposure, soil type and wind conditions you may need to check daily and gradually taper off how often to monitor. It is a good idea to give ivy a little TLC the first two years.

Prune

When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?

Mulch

Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?

January
You may want to mulch newly planted ivy to help hold moisture in the soil.

Protect

When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved?

Pest/Disease Inspection

What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?

Treat for Pest/Disease

How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?

Transplant

When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?

Propagate

When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?

January
Ivy is easy to propagate by soft tissue stem cuttings. Stick the cuttings in a light weight highly organic rooting or potting mix. Make sure the soil stays evenly moist, the humidity is high and the cuttings are shaded. Roots will start in 2-5 weeks.

Harvest

When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features?

Special requirements

Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories?