Hedera Hibernica (ivy)

Hedera Hibernica (ivy)

The Hedera Hibernica is a nice plant that is very easy to maintain. It loves all surfaces and shines everywhere, whether in full sun, in the shade or in a semi-shaded spot. However, the ivy does need some help when it starts growing. The easiest way to grow it is against a frame or a fence. In the beginning you can braid it through the fence, so the ivy can grow alongside it. It is also good to braid new shoots. This way the ivy will quickly become a beautiful hedge that you are sure to appreciate. Once it grows well, there is nothing left but to enjoy it.

This ivy grows about 50 cm to 70 cm per year. So you quickly have a dense hedge that remains green and provides a lot of privacy.

Why should you choose the Hedera Hibernica?

• This easy ivy is winter hardy and evergreen.
• Plant it in any soil type you want; it thrives everywhere.
• Do you have a sunny or (semi) shadow spot in mind? It feels at home everywhere.
• The plant grows quickly, giving you a high, dense hedge in no time.
• The hedge plant is easy to prune. Preferably do this twice a year.
• The Hedera Hibernica is a strong plant and therefore has little trouble with diseases.
• It remains very narrow, so it is also ideal for small gardens.

Where should you plant Hedera ivy?

As we already wrote, the Hedera Hibernica is a very easy type of plant that you can place anywhere. In the sun, in the shade or in partial shade. However, it has wet feet a problem. Keep an eye on this.

How should you plant a large-leaved ivy hedge?

1. Make sure the soil is completely weed-free.
2. Dig a straight trench about 1.5 times as deep and wide as the Hedera's root ball. Tip: if you stretch a rope, it will make your work a lot easier and the hedge will be straight.
3. Throw some cow manure pellets into the trench. The Hedera Hibernica can certainly appreciate that.
4. Mix the manure with sand. This way you save the roots.
5. First place the plants alongside the trench. When you have distributed them nicely, put them in the trench.
6. Fill the trench with soil.
7. Then press it firmly.
8. Water the plants enough. Keep doing this, until the plants have taken hold.

Tips

The ivy plant Hedera Hibernica does not like to have its feet in wet soil. Of course it needs enough water, but use it in moderation.

The plant needs even a lot of help at first. It can climb really well, but the start is difficult. So braid it - and later the new shoots - in height and width by hand through the fence or mesh wall that you are growing it against. It takes some time, but your hedge really needs that. Once it has been helped on it’s way, you no longer have to help it. Then the enjoyment starts.

Placement

You can plant the Hedera Hibernica all year round. The only time when it’s not possible is when the temperature drops below freezing. It does not matter where you put it: sun, shade or partial shade. Everything is fine. For a nice dense hedge, you will need about 4 to 5 plants per linear meter.

Care & Advice

• Give the hedge plant enough water, but never too much. It does not like wet feet.
• Braid the ivy through the fence, frame or mesh wall. This will give you a beautiful hedge.
• Pruning can be done between March and mid-November.
• Note: do not prune when it is high summer, but do it in cloudy or rainy. This way the edges of the leaves will not be damaged by the sun.
• For best results, prune the plant by hand with hedge trimmer or pruning shears. It's not the case that you shouldn’t use an electric hedge trimmer, but it really does get a lot more beautiful by hand.
• Continue to prune the hedge even when it is fully grown. At least twice a year. This is good against lignifying, but it also prevents the plants from damaging your home or overgrowing other plants.

Treating known ailments of the ivy Hedera Hibernica

Ivy is a strong plant. Only when it is very cold outside this can cause a problem.

When it freezes hard, the Hedera Hibernica ivy can get brown leaves. Let the plants sprout slowly. New shoots appear in April or early May. At that point, cut back the damaged branches. After that, the plant can recover. You have to be patient, but your Hedera will be completely green again soon.

Advantages and disadvantages of the ivy

Benefits

• It is an easy plant; it thrives in any spot.
• This hedge plant is evergreen and winter hardy.
• Your hedge grows high and dense very quickly.
• Pruning can be done all year round, but avoid direct sunlight!
• The plant is strong. It hardly knows any illnesses.
• The hedge is and will remain very narrow, making it suitable for all gardens.

Cons

• It tends to overgrow other plants.
• The plant leaves marks on your house, garage or fence.

Conclusion

Are you looking for a fast-growing and evergreen hedge plant that also remains very narrow? And one that is very easy to maintain? Then the Hedera Hibernica hedge plant is a perfect choice for you.

Do you have questions? Please feel free to contact Haagplanten Heijnen.