Help My Slow-Growing English Ivy

By

Cyinda

In Washington State we have a program called the "Master Gardner" program. If I've got it right, the University of Washington trains these people for free. Then once you graduate from the program & become a "Master Gardner" you volunteer a certain amount of your time helping the community & volunteering at places like Saturday Makets & Shopping Malls answering questions about plants & their diseases.

There are 2 reasons I brought up Master Gardeners.

One is you can ask questions about plants & plant problems online.

HERES THE URL:
http://mastergardener.wsu.edu/expert/ask.html

The second reason I brought up the Master Gardeners was, I asked them about growing English Ivy & they told me NOT to grow it... They said it's considered a "noxious weed" & that birds pick up the seeds & other parts for their nests & take them out into the forests where they are strangling our trees & other plant life. So, I looked at the trees along the side of the road on my way home... & low & behold, They were right... There is an abundance of this Ivy wrapped around trees everywhere. I hadn't noticed it before, because it looks so beautiful.

I'd still like to grow English Ivy... because I need a fast growing ground cover. I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to contain it, or if there's another substitute? (Or should I just go out to the woods & grab some for myself?) I noticed they sell it at Home Stores & Nurseries. If it is truly a "bad plant, that is taking over the world", then why would they sell it everywhere?

By sreyan (Guest Post)

It's true ivy is aggressive and invasive....

but it's probably more eco friendly than you think. It is among the best plants for filtering polluted air -- Perfect for certain parts of PA

By

truerblue

Thanks, Jim, for your helpful suggestions for my English ivy. I'm going to try your tips asap!

Tori

By

smartfell-r

Ivy is an acid and shade loving plant.

First, be sure it is planted is a shady area. Adding a couple inches of mulch will certainly help.

Second, buy Miracle Grow Acid, this isn't the regular Miracle Grow, but rather the one for acid loving plants. Mix according to directions and feed weekly.

Sometimes ivy are slow starters, but watch out, when they take off, they are aggressive.

You will have a real 'green thumb' if you follow the above directions.

Jim

By wendee (Guest Post)

I think you've been lucky. In many places it is considered a invasive weed to be gotten rid of. Once it does take hold, it will be a total nuisance. It will need to be trimmed regularly and kept from taking over your yard and the neighbors yard.
A more eco friendly vine would probably be a better choice.