Hedera Helix (ivy)

Hedera Helix (ivy)

If you have installed a fence or another framework and you also want to add some beautiful, green plants, this hedge plant will make that very easy for you. You plant the Hedera Helix along the fence and it will climb up effortlessly. However, you have to help the plants at first. Braid the twigs and later the shoots through the fence. If you do this consistently in the beginning, you will get a beautiful hedge that will provide you with a lot of pleasure and privacy.

Growing small-leaved ivy

The fast-growing ivy grows about 50 cm to 70 cm per year. This depends on the location and the weather conditions. Because it grows so quickly, you will have a beautiful, green, high hedge in the foreseeable future. The plant can grow extremely high, up to 10 meters.

Why should you choose the Hedera Helix?

• This climbing plant is winter hardy and evergreen.
• It can be planted in any soil type.
• It does not care about the location either: in the sun, shade or partial shade.
• Due to the rapid growth, you will quickly have a high, dense hedge: this provides lots of privacy.
• The hedge plant is easy to prune.
• He has little trouble with diseases, because it is such a strong plant.
• It is also perfect in small gardens due to its narrow growth form.

Where should you plant Hedera ivy?

The ivy can be planted everywhere: in a sunny spot, but also in the shade or partial shade.

The soil type does not matter much to the Hedera Helix.

Be careful with water. He doesn't like having wet feet for too long.

How should you plant a small-leaved ivy hedge?

1. Make sure the soil where you plan to plant the ivy is weed-free.
2. Dig a nice, straight trench that is about 1.5 times as deep and wide as the root ball of the Hedera. Stretching a rope in advance really makes a difference. Because of this your hedge will certainly be straight.
3. Sprinkle cow manure pellets into the trench. You can never go wrong with some fertilizer, not even with this strong Hedera.
4. Mix the cow manure pellets with some sand. The roots do not like direct contact with the fertilizer.
5. Align the plants along the trench and divide them nicely. Are you satisfied? Then place the hedge plants inside the trench.
6. Fill the trench with soil and press it down well.
7. Water the plants sufficiently. Keep doing for a while, until they take effect.

Tips

The Ivy Hedera Helix does not like very wet soil. Give it enough water, but don’t give it too much.

In the beginning, the plant could use some help while growing. You can braid the branches and later the shoots in height and width by hand through the fence or mesh wall. We admit that you will have to invest some time, but that will only benefit your hedge. Once it is secure, you don't need to help it anymore. Then you will only have a lot of fun with the ivy.

Placement

You can put the Hedera Helix in the ground all year round. Only in freezing temperatures it is not possible.

The plant likes everything: sun, shade or partial shade.

Plant about 4 to 5 hedge plants per linear meter.

Care & Advice

• Water the plant sufficiently, but do not give it too much.
• Braid the Hederix Hedera through the mesh wall or fence.
• Prune the climbing plant twice a year to keep it under control.
• The pruning season is from March to mid-November.
• Preferably prune in cloudy or rainy weather. This way you prevent damage to the edges of the leaves that can be caused by the sun.
• It is very tempting to prune with an electric hedge trimmer, but you will get the best results if you prune by hand; with a hedge trimmer or special pruning shears.
• When the hedge is fully grown, keep pruning the hedge in shape. This is also good against lignifying. But you will also prevent damage to your house or other plants. The ivy likes to proliferate. You can keep this under control by pruning regularly.

Treating known ailments of the Hedera (ivy)

Ivy is a strong plant. Only when it freezes severely it can cause a problem.

When it freezes severely, the Hedera Helix ivy can get brown leaves. This cannot be prevented. Let the plants sprout slowly. The new shoots will appear in April or early May. At that point, cut back the damaged branches. This way the plant can recover. You have to be patient, but your Hedera will be green again soon.

Advantages and disadvantages of the ivy

Benefits

• The plant is evergreen and winter hardy.
• The Hedera Helix can be planted everywhere.
• The hedge grows high and dense quickly. So plenty of privacy.
• You can prune it all year round.
• It is very strong and therefore does not get sick easily.
• The plant has a narrow growth form. Ideal for small gardens.

Cons

• There is a chance that it will overgrow other plants.
• If you want to remove the plant after a while, there are always be remaining traces on your house or on your fence.

Conclusion

When you are looking for a hedge plant that is winter hardy and evergreen? One that is easy to maintain and grows quickly? Buy the Hedera Helix.

If you have any questions, please contact us.