Last Updated on December 17, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
Several ivy varieties do have similar growing conditions. Boston ivy is one of the best ivies that will climb all kinds of buildings. It would be best if you considered cultivating one in your compound for a green environment.
It provides excellent colors for both summers and springs.
The Boston ivy flowers are small, making it look quite thrilling because they produce clusters of dark blueberries. Boston ivy is a great landscaping plant that now boasts of making many houses to look impressive.
Types of Boston ivy
When you go shopping, you will find them as Cultivars in the garden centers. They include;
“Purpurea” and “Atropurpurea,”
The two are similar though they may have some variability in the foliage.
“Veitchii,”
It begins growing, showing the purple color. It is interesting to see it change its colors during the summers and spring! It will then turn green in summers and will finally turn crimson in fall.
Fenway Park
The cultivar will turn yellow during spring
Planting Boston ivy
You may want to plant the Boston ivy plant; yes, it is an excellent decision, but ensure that you are doing it close to the walls since they are the real climbers. You may even want it to cover the ground surface, which is still a good option. The plant does display great features that makes it quite appealing for fences, unattractive walls, and arbors.
When to plant
Spring fall is the best time when you should plant your Boston ivy plant. The plant can still grow even if you plant it in summers, but you may want a season to enhance its growth. You can do it in summers when you are sure you have plenty of water and good soil with proper drainage.
Where to plant
The Boston ivy plants will do well in areas in fences and walls. You can also consider growing it on the walls and shades. The roots will need sufficient room. That is why it will be wise to extend some distance away from the wall. Grow the plants 2 feet apart when you are doing it for wall coverage.
How to plant
Ensure that the Boston ivy plants are 18 to 24 inches apart. You may consider planting them closer together, depending on your needs. Always give it some space by growing it at least 12 inches away from the walls to allow for efficient roots growth.
Boston ivy care
Some specific factors will ensure the proper growth of your Boston ivy plant.
Soil and fertilizer
The best soils that will support efficient growth is the loam soils. The soils have good drainage; though there are other soil types, ensure that the drainage is friendly.
The Ivy plants may not need fertilizers, but you can consider adding them during the spring feeding seasons. You may need a fertilizer that encourages root development during planting.
Sun, Light, and water
The Hedera plant will do well in a shady environment that will not be affected the direct sunlight. For maximum fall color, you can plant them in full sun. However, it will be nice to produce them in the east and north-facing walls in the hot summers.
The ivy plants need an average water supply. You can try to increase water supply during the planting seasons to allow it to grow roots faster. You will then maintain the watering every week afterward.
Humidity and temperature
The Boston ivy will do well under all conditions, provided that the winter temperatures do not fall below 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Repotting
Don’t allow the ivy plant to be too heavy. Consider repotting it when it’s too heavy. Get some slightly larger pots that will sufficiently hold the roots. Be careful not to over-pot it, for it will cause root rot.
Pruning and propagation
The Boston ivy plants are vigorous growers, therefore, necessitating an annual pruning during late winters. Prune any growth that stays out of the correct place.
You will take the cuttings from the healthy-looking stems during spring, which are 5 to 6 nodes. It will then be nice to get a rooting hormone to plant the cutting in a cactus mix. You will need to water the ivy from the bottom, after which you will transfer to a soil mixture once they develop roots.
Pests and diseases
Ivy plants do face infestation from pests such as spider mites. You can spray these white insects using a suitable insecticide. Notably, a swarm of pests can harm the Boston ivy plants significantly when growing in hot conditions. You will notice this when the leaves start growing spots with thin white webs. Root decay remains are leading disease.
Conclusion
The Boston ivy plant will be great for your walls. It won’t be a wrong decision if you consider it for covering walls or even beautifying your fence, but always take heed to precautions that ensure that it is thriving.