Common ivy Hedera helixis an irreplaceable climber in our gardens and parks. Ivy is undemanding and very effective thanks to its evergreen leaves. In the garden, it can climb fences, walls or trunks of old trees, and also be used as a ground cover plant. Find out what it looks likecommon ivywhat are the bestvarieties of ivyfor the garden and what it looks likeivy reproductionand what is the price of its seedlings.
Common ivy - Hedera helix
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
What does common ivy look like
Common ivy (Hedera helix)is the only species from the Araliaceae family that grows wild in our country. It is a climber that produces thick and strong shoots that can run across the ground or climb onto supports for the climbers. Ivy shoots perfectly climb the fences. It can also be planted as a screening plant on the balcony. Ivy can reach a height of 20 m.
Common ivy has two types of leaves , this is called heterophyllum. Generative shoots have whole-edge leaves, while vegetative shoots, i.e. non-flowering ones, have lobed leaves. Ivy leaves are evergreen, leathery, usually 4-10 cm long. The flowers are inconspicuous, bisected, usually pollinated by flies. The fruit is a pea-sized spherical stone fruit, black in color. The fruits of the ivy are poisonous as is the whole plant!
Common ivy - cultivation, requirements
IvyHedera helixhas low requirements and is quite tolerant in terms of growing conditions. It grows best in fresh, calcareous and humus soils. It is very shade-loving and shade-loving, but needs some sunlight to bloom, so it usually blooms only where sun rays fall on its shoots.
In severe winterscommon ivy can freeze , especially its climbing shoots are susceptible to freezing. Therefore, in areas with more severe climate, it should be covered, if possible, of course.
It is usually recommendedto plant common ivyprimarily from the north side of walls and tree trunks. In such places,is the best way to grow ivy , which is an ideal perennial vine for shade. The support surface for ivy should not be too smooth for the plant to stick to it. After planting, the ivy must be watered abundantly.
Propagation of common ivy
Common ivy is propagatedvegetatively through cuttings. An ivy seedling is cut from a shoot with one or two nodes. It takes root very quickly in water or in the substrate. We collect seedlings from spring, throughout the summer, until the end of September. Remember to protect young seedlings from frost during winter. Keep the soil moist, but do not overdo it with watering so that the seedling does not rot. When the seedlings survive the winter, they can be planted into the ground in spring, when ground frosts subside.
In July you can cut ivy shoots for rooting
Fig. depositphotos.com
Common ivy - seedlings price
To find out what theprice of ivy isI visited several garden stores. As it turns out, you can buy a common ivy seedling for a price ranging from a few to a dozen zlotys in a nursery or garden center.We will pay from 5 to 12 PLN for a 30-60 cm tall seedling.The price of an ivy seedlingdepends on its height and variety. Allivy seedlingsI found were offered in containers.
Common ivy - varieties
Due to its low requirements and evergreen leavescommon ivyhas many varieties. The most decorative ones have variegated leaves, usually with a white edge. Here are the most recommended varieties of common ivy:
Common ivy 'Arborescens'- bushy variety, does not produce sticky roots. Reaches 3-5 m in height, 0.2 m annually. Recommended for small gardens.
Common ivy 'Goldheart'- a variety with two-colored leaves, green on the outside, golden yellow in the middle. It freezes easily. It does not like acidic or dry soils. A good ground cover variety.
The varieties of ivy with two-colored leaves look particularly attractive
Fig. pixabay.com
Common ivy 'Thorndale'- this type of common ivy is hardy, branching strongly. Reaches 20-30 m in height (annual increment of 0.5-1 m). Slightly susceptible to freezing. Leathery, dark green leaves with a slightly lighter veining.
Common ivy 'Woerner'- a variety with vigorous growth, it can also reach 20-30 m in height. Dark green leaves with white veins. It grows well on walls or other supports.
Common ivy 'Glacier'- is a variety of ivy with white-edged leaves.
Common ivy 'Harald'- dark green leaves with white spots on the edges of the leaves.
It is also worth knowing that in addition to varieties of ivy for garden cultivation, there is alsopotted ivyAs a houseplant, ivy has low requirements, and many varieties of potted ivy are extremely decorative. The principle of caring for potted ivy is - the greener the leaves, the more shaded and cooler the position, the more variegated leaves, the more sun and warmth the plant should be provided.
Katarzyna Matuszak
