Ivy is one of the best-known and most popular climbing plants, which even thrives in shady places and requires little care.
Ivy is an evergreen climbing plant that can be found in almost every garden. This is probably mainly due to the fact that it grows reliably and forms a dense green cover. Both on house walls and on trees. However, for ivy to thrive so well, it needs a little care. But not very much, because he is undemanding. Pick the right location and you're halfway there.
Ivy prefers shade
As a forest plant, ivy is not a sun-loving plant. Therefore, the location should be as shady as possible. A semi-shady location has the disadvantage in winter that the sun draws moisture from the leaves. Because the ground is often frozen, the ivy cannot absorb enough water, causing the leaves to wilt. Therefore water in frost-free periods.
However, there are types of ivy that need at least a few hours of sunshine. These include the species that form colorful leaves. The variegated foliage comes primarily from sunlight, so choose a location that gets two or three hours of sun each day.
This is what the right floor looks like
The soil for ivy should be as calcareous, moist and rich in nutrients as possible. However, you do not need to prepare the soil separately, as the plant has been cultivated in this country in such a way that it can get along with almost any soil.
It is a little more difficult if you want to use the ivy for facade greening. Although it grows on almost any soil and forms such strong adhesive roots that it also sticks to smooth facades, it does not appreciate every surface. Light-colored or even white facades are unsuitable, as they reflect the sunlight and cause the adhesive roots to loosen.
Cutting is the most important care measure
The biggest maintenance effort with ivy is pruning. Once ivy has taken root, it spreads very quickly and literally suffocates other plants to grow. So cut itCheck back regularly if you also appreciate other nearby plants.
However, care also includes avoiding damage. The climbing plant can be problematic, especially on house facades. Cracks in the house wall can no longer dry out due to the growth, which can cause mold to develop. However, the roots can also penetrate the masonry and damage the facade. The pruning is particularly important in the roof area. The ivy must never get under the roof tiles, as it lifts them up and this in turn can cause considerable damage. It is imperative that you regularly remove the ivy here.