Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy
Pruning
Twice a year
Growth rate
50-70cm a year
You probably know the Hedera. An an ivy. Against your neighbors facade and acquaintances’ garage wall is completely covered with Hedera. But do you also know it as a hedge plant? Because it is also very suitable as a hedge. In any case, it is a very strong plant that you don't have to worry about. Apart from pruning.
The ivy is winter hardy and evergreen. And it has a lot of leaves. It therefore ensures a lot of privacy. And in winter you will have a beautiful, green hedge, while the rest of the garden may look a bit bare and therefore uninviting. Do you have a large garden or a very small one, this ivy really fits anywhere. Not only because of its appearance, but also because of its narrow habit. Really an ideal hedge plant.
There are two types of Hedera:
Hedera Helix - also called the small-leaved ivy. In addition, the leaf is also slightly finer. And it looks a bit more elegant. The leaves are slightly darker in color. The Hedera Helix holds its leaves in the winter. And diseases? You will not have to worry about them with this ivy.
Hedera Hibernica - the Irish ivy has a lighter leaf than its brother or sister. During harsh winters it can lose a leaf here and there; but fortunately new leaves come out in the spring. This Hedera is slightly more susceptible to pests and diseases.
An easy plant. You can certainly say that about this Ivy Hedera. It does not really matter in what type of soil it is planted. It just likes to be in full sun, partial shade or shade. It really makes no difference. Therefore a perfect hedge plant for your garden.
You can plant the Hedera all year round. The best time is from March to early October. During this period the soil is warm and the roots can develop fast. Keep in mind that ivy does not always grow at the same speed as others. The ivy grows fastest in the spring and the growth stops in the fall. If you want quick results, it is wise to put the plants in the ground before spring. This way the Hedera can grow all spring and summer.
Provide enough water, but not too much. Ivy Hedera does not like wet feet.
Once the ivy is growing, it grows up against, for example, a fence or mesh wall. But at the beginning, it definitely needs support from you. Braid the shoots in height and width by hand through the fence or mesh wall. If new shoots appear, you must also braid these. That takes some time, but you help the plant enormously with this. And ultimately you help yourself as well, because only when you take case of the ivy it becomes a beautiful, full hedge.
Only when it is freezing, you can’t plant an ivy. The rest of the year you can however. The plant thrives anywhere, in the sun, in the shade or partial shade.
You can keep 4 or 5 ivy plants per linear meter.
As we already wrote, ivy is a very strong plant. Only when it freezes harshly can this cause a problem.
Frost damage - once it has frozen considerably, the ivy may show brown leaves. You'll be fine, but be patient. Let the plants sprout first. In April or early May, new shoots or growth buds appear on the branches. At that point, you can cut off the damaged branches. After this, the recovery will start. It sometimes takes a while, but a Hedera always heals from someting like this.
Are you looking for an easy, evergreen hedge plant that quickly provides you with a lot of privacy? Then the Hedera is the perfect plant for you.
If you have any further questions, please contact us.