Which is better, Boston ivy or Virginia creeper?
Boston ivy is in the same family as Virginia creeper, but is more shade tolerant and doesn’t tend to bear berries. Being so rampant and large, it’s best suited to larger gardens, and it needs quite a bit of maintenance to keep its growth in check. Ivy has a lot of value for wildlife, supporting more than 50 different species. It’s especially important as an essential food source for insects and birds during the autumn and winter months. Evergreen leaves provide great nesting opportunities for birds and shelter for insects, bats and other small mammals.Common English ivy is a significant, if lesser known in the UK, aid to respiratory health – an antiviral and respiratory supporting medicinal plant.It can also be grown indoors as a houseplant. The potential benefits of English ivy include air purification, improved respiratory (breathing) issues, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Can a neighbour grow ivy on my wall?
Contrary to other wall-climbing weeds like Japanese knotweed, ivy is legal to grow on your property. However, due to its swift growing, ivy can quickly move onward from your property to your neighbour. Any encroaching of ivy onto a neighbour’s property can warrant a legal claim or disputes due to diminution. English ivy is best grown on trellises, fences, or in confined areas where it can be monitored and maintained. Boston ivy, however, grows on the surface of the structure. While it can cause some damage, it attaches itself without creating extensive problems.
How to maintain Boston ivy?
Maintenance. Pruning: Regular pruning is essential to control the growth of Boston Ivy and to maintain a neat appearance. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged vines and trim back excessive growth to encourage a fuller, healthier plant. Boston Ivy is easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. This vine is well-suited for urban areas since it has a tolerance for a wide range of soils and urban pollution/conditions. For the best fall colors, plant in full sun.The best time to plant boston ivy is spring or fall. These conditions help get better results with the plant growing faster and healthier. Choose a very well-drained site that won’t become soggy or waterlogged.Boston ivy has a relatively easy propagation method, with softwood cuttings and layering being the preferred options. The best time for propagation is during the Spring and Summer months. Successful propagation can be identified by the growth of new roots, shoots and leaves.Where to grow Boston ivy. Boston ivy will tolerate most garden soils. It’s ideal for a position in full sun or shade, but bear in mind that its autumn foliage won’t be as impressive if growing in a shady spot. Being such a vigorous plant it will need a large wall – an obelisk or trellis will not do.
How fast will Boston ivy grow?
Boston Ivy can reach an overall height and width of 40-50 feet. Yearly growth will be around 3-5 feet, making this vine a fast grower. Generally one plant can be used to cover the wall of a house, depending on house size. Presuming that the wall is known to be well-built with quality materials, it can be expected to last hundreds of years. However, the growth of ivy on a wall, even if it is not removed by force or with chemicals, may shorten the life of a well-constructed wall.The good news is that it is easy to keep ivy from straying out-of-bounds by annual pruning, and it will grow just as happily contained to a single fence panel or small portion of wall.
Is Boston ivy easy to maintain?
Boston Ivy is truly an easy-to-grow and maintain perennial, making it great for beginners! Once established, drought tolerance and soil tolerance make it grow rapidly regardless of area. Lots of gardeners are attracted to the stately beauty of Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), but controlling this hardy plant can be a challenge both indoors and in the garden.