This vigorous, evergreen and perennial plant thrives more or less well in different locations and does not require any special care. Mostly it is used for greening walls, for hedges or as a privacy screen and ground cover. The ivy leaves are particularly decorative. Depending on the variety, they can be deep green or intensely patterned. The vigor can also vary within the species and varieties.
Ivy vigor
Ivy is well known for its rapid growth and ability to easily attach itself to a wide variety of surfaces. It can not only climb into the air, but also spread out over a large area on the ground. If it is not properly cared for, especially cut, it can quickly become a massive problem. The vigor of this plant is influenced both positively and negatively by the respective site conditions, fertilization and regular pruning measures. But how fast is it actually growing and can you influence it?
Growth in several stages
Hedera helix can reach an age of up to 500 years, depending on the variety and the prevailing conditions. The maximum growth rate per year, under optimal conditions, can be more than 200 cm. You should know that ivy grows in several stages or Stages expires. The first stage, as a young plant,
covers the first two years. From the third to the tenth year, the plant is in the middle stage. The so-called age form is reached after about ten years. The annual growth varies depending on the growth stage.As a young plant
Young plants are freshly grown plants, for example from cuttings. As a rule, they are planted out in the garden in the spring, as soon as they are rooted. In the first year they grow very cautiously, usually less than half a meter. In the following two years, too, the rate of growth is limited. The plants are now primarily investing their energy in the formation of new roots and the first tendrils with adherent roots.
From around three years of age
The typically strong growth begins around the third year. With increasing root formation, the tendrils with adherent roots become stronger. The ivy keeps forming new shoots and tendrils with which it grows up on facades or crawls across the ground. He tries to escape the light as much as possible and looks for shady corners. In this way, it can gain between five and ten meters in height and width within the next few years, provided it is not cut.
Age form after ten years
After about ten years, when the ivy is his
When it has reached its age, it no longer spreads over tendrils, but grows like a bush and only grows upwards. In contrast, young plants only form tendrils with adherent roots. From this stage on, the now stately plant looks like a tree, it reduces growth and thus also the rate of growth by around half. Nevertheless, it continues to grow clearly and can now be cut into any shape if necessary.Tip: Ivy that is grown from young shoots forms tendrils and can be grown as a climbing plant. If, on the other hand, it is propagated in the age form, the cuttings develop into upright, shrub-like and non-climbing plants.
Accelerate growth
There are several factors that can accelerate the growth of ivy:
Location and soil
- Location and soil have a significant influence on the rate of growth
- Especially in the first few years
- Ivy grew fastest under optimal conditions
- Pay attention to good site conditions
- Locations with high humidity, plenty of shade and permeable soil are ideal
- Speed of growth here, more than 200 cm per year
- Annual increase is lower in places with a lot of sun and moist soil
- About 150 cm in a year
- There is a risk of sunburn here in winter
- Increment on poor soils, in locations with a lot of sun, low humidity, lowest
- Is well below 100 cm annually
Tip: In general, one can say that ivy grows faster the more shady the place and the more constant air and soil humidity.
fertilization
Normally, once ivy has gotten used to a location, it does not need to be fertilized. However, if the growth of the plants is to be accelerated, fertilization is another possible option.
- Accelerated growth especially useful for young plants
- Especially in the first six weeks after planting
- Now additional fertilizer can stimulate the plant growth even further
- In particular, the supply of nitrogen and potassium
- Horn shavings and compost can be used as organic fertilizers
- Commercially available liquid or long-term fertilizers are just as suitable
- The best time to apply appropriate fertilizers is from mid-March to the end of July
- Apply organic fertilizers such as compost and horn shavings in the spring
- Distribute as much as possible between the individual tendrils
Regular pruning
The main purpose of pruning Hedera helix is to contain the growth or to cut the plant into shape. But after a cut it drifts again particularly quickly. In the first few years, cautious or be minimally cut. Only after about three to four years does it clearly increase in growth and begin to proliferate in an uncontrolled manner. Then it is time for simple cutting measures. The best time for this is around July / August. This is the best time to spot any gaps. The older the ivy, the faster it grows. This means that, especially older specimens, have to be pruned back one more time in spring or autumn. Radical cuts are not a problem either.
Tip: The clippings should be completely collected from the ground and, if possible, not disposed of on the compost. Otherwise, the cut shoots can easily regain a foothold and spread elsewhere.
Note the toxicity of ivy
Ivy (Hedera helix) is a poisonous plant. This is due to the toxic substances falcarinol and triterpenaponin contained in all parts of the plant. Skin contact can cause rashes and allergies in sensitive people. The consumption of the leaves and especially the fruits can be used by children as well as pets such as B. Cats lead to symptoms of poisoning. The plants do not form the highly poisonous berries until they are old. They ripen in spring and should not get into the hands of children.