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While pollinators are attracted to their nectar and pollen, English ivy can be annoying in the environment for their invasiveness. Follow your state's guidelines when planting in the ground. While they are ornamental, they can create ivy desserts and kill plants in their path by blocking the sunlight from their leaves. Lively Root recommends keeping them in check within a garden planter and not using them as a ground cover unless heavily guarded.
Care Level: I'm Easy
Pet Friendly: Warning
Toxic to pets if ingested.
Origins: Native to Europe, northeast Ireland, Scandinavia, and all the way down to Spain, this ivy is most often seen as a landscape plant.
Fun Facts: In the Middle Age...
In the Middle Ages, ivy was used to announce that wine was available at the local establishment in which they grew! They would hang on a pole or in a hanging basket. The symbol was recognized as the "ale-pole." Ivy was symbolic of peace to the Druids since they have the ability to connect to various plants. Another reason why they may be used in bridal bouquets and headdresses as a symbol of fidelity. Ivy's is attractive to pollinators for their nectar and pollen.
Shade to Part Sun (afternoon sun 4-6 hours)
Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy). If rain doesn't replenish, give them a drink during the growing season frequently.
Average humidity levels at least 40% is adequate for this plant's needs.
Ivy can survive outside down to -30°F.
This plant can handle outside temperatures as low as -30°F.
Fertilize once a month during the growing spring and summer by diluting a liquid fertilizer by half strength. Let the plant rest in the fall and winter.
Interior: When receiving the plant, do not repot immediately but wait at least 6-12 months or if the roots are beginning to get crowded and growing through the drainage holes. Repot in the spring, using a 2" bigger pot to keep the roots drier. (Too big of a pot could cause the soil to dry slower, which is not helpful.) Use a well-draining indoor potting mix with perlite to help with drainage. Water your plant in the old pot before transferring over and let sit an hour. Place a piece of screening at the bottom of the container over the drainage hole to secure the soil and allow to drain. Add soil to the bottom to elevate the root ball. Lift the plant and release the roots against the existing planter. Use a clean knife or garden trowel to wedge between the pot and the soil to loosen. Inspect the root ball. Notice if there are any dead or rotting roots and trim off with sterile pruners. If the plant is rootbound, cut through the roots to alleviate continued encircling. Ensure the plant is sitting about 1" below the edge of the pot to avoid water spillage. Add more soil and backfill around the sides by tamping down. Fill up to the soil line but not over. Water thoroughly, leaving the soil damp but not soggy. If settling occurs, add more soil.
Exterior: If planting as a ground cover, dig the hole twice the width of the plant and a 1/2 inch less in height to help with drainage. If the soil needs amendments, add compost to the native soil. Place the plant in the center of the hole and water. Afterward, and a root stimulator around the plant. Backfill with the amended soil. Tamp down lightly to compact any air pockets. Water again and add mulch up to the drip line of the plant. Keep the soil moist consistently and check the soil moisture several times a week to monitor them in the first three months. The best time to plant outdoor plants is in the spring and fall months. Avoid planting in the hottest weather to give the plant a good chance of surviving. Repot in the spring, using a 2" bigger pot to keep the roots drier. (Too big of a pot could cause the soil to dry slower, which is not helpful.) Use a well-draining indoor potting mix with perlite to help with drainage. Water your plant in the old pot before transferring over and let sit an hour. Place a piece of screening at the bottom of the container over the drainage hole to secure the soil and allow to drain. Add soil to the bottom to elevate the root ball. Lift the plant and release the roots against the existing planter. Use a clean knife or garden trowel to wedge between the pot and the soil to loosen. Inspect the root ball. Notice if there are any dead or rotting roots and trim off with sterile pruners. If the plant is rootbound, cut through the roots to alleviate continued encircling. Ensure the plant is sitting about 1" below the edge of the pot to avoid water spillage. Add more soil and backfill around the sides by tamping down. Fill up to the soil line but not over. Water thoroughly, leaving the soil damp but not soggy. If settling occurs, add more soil.
If your English ivy grows as a ground cover, trim as needed to keep them in check with the boundaries. Remove any creep up a tree trunk or other shrubs. Use pruning clippers to trim in the early spring or fall. Then spot-check monthly to prevent encroachment on other plantings.
Take several stem-cuttings up to 6-8 inches off the parent plant. Remove some of the leaves closest to the cutting and place them in a vase filled with water. After several weeks roots will form. After three inches of roots have emerged, use well-draining soil in a small container with drainage. Poke a hole in the soil center. Slip the roots down into it and tamp down the soil around them. Keep the soil moist and watch them grow!
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