Ivy - Ground Cover or Landscape Plant

Regardless of the area in which you plan to use ivy your success will be quicker and more long lasting if you are able to improve the soil. If the area to be planted was graded down to subsoil you might work 4-5 pounds of agricultural limestone per 100 square feet of area.

One of the most satisfactory landscape plants for the South is English Ivy or one of its many selections or varieties. They are adapted to many landscape uses as well as a number of climatic variations.

A versatile plant…

It is used as a trailing vine in pots or hanging baskets, as an excellent ground cover in shade or sun, and as a cover or tracery design for walls and fences. The coarse texture of the dark green leaves can provide a good contrast when used in front of evergreen shrub borders or as a ground planting in groups of shallow rooted plants such as azaleas, rhododendron, boxwood and camellias.

Landscapes benefit with ivy.

Ivy is an excellent plant for that crowded, narrow or difficult to maintain area in contemporary landscapes or as a cover on steep slopes. As a cover on steep slopes it helps avoid the dangers encountered when trying to mow grasses in the difficult situations. Ivy is also good as a mass planting in deeply shaded areas where grasses may not succeed because of light or competition from trees. Large masses of Ivy can be used to develop islands around clumps of trees reducing the areas devoted to turf and the heavy maintenance requirements of turf.

Ivy is adapted to full sun or part shade. However, the growth will be more luxurious, dense, and deeper green color in the most shady locations under trees.

Ivy can be planted as rooted cuttings or as container grown plants. Some gardeners with access to ivy from friends will cut shoots or stems 12 - 18 inches in length and plant in rows 12 inches apart. The bottom 4- 6 inches of the stem should be buried. Many times it is possible to find stems that have rooted. This should be cut and quickly planted to prevent drying.

During the first few weeks after planting attention to watering is essential. It may be necessary to water every 3 - 4 days particularly those plantings located in the sun. A 3 inch mulch of pine straw or hay will help maintain a uniform soil temperature and prevent excessive drying of the soil.

Four to six weeks after planting a light application of fertilizer such as 1 pound of 8-8-8 will help boost the plants after they have rooted.

If you prefer you can root your own cuttings before planting in the permanent bed or location. Whatever method you choose plan to give the planting plenty of attention, particularly to water. After the planting has become well established little care will be required. If trees shed large amounts of leaves into the planting they should be raked away to prevent smothering ivy.

For more information on ivy; contact your local County Extension Office.