did you know?

is native to the Canary Islands, which explains its common name. According to Roman mythology, ivy was sacred to Bacchus, the god of wine, and was used in festivals celebrating the bounty of the grape harvest.

general maintenance:

Remove any yellowed or brown leaves to maintain tidy appearance. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness, or if desired allow to spread and climb, only removing shoots that encroach on other plants.

pests/diseases:

Scale may occur.

controls:

To control scale, remove with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, remove infested leaves, or apply insecticidal soap, following label directions.

how to sow/plant:

Start with new plants or rooted cuttings. Plant in spring or fall. Choose a shady site with moist, well-drained soil, and amend with compost or well-rotted manure. Set plants at the same depth they were in pot, spacing at a distance equal to their mature spread. Water after planting, and mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Maintain soil moisture all season. Feed with a balanced, water-soluble or slow-release fertilizer, following label directions.

garden hint:

When grown as a ground cover, ivy will cover the spent foliage of spring-flowering bulbs.

features:

• Evergreen
• Shade Tolerant
• Winter Interest

garden uses:

• Climbing
• Ground Cover (perfect contrast for flowering annuals in hanging baskets, pots, and window boxes)
• Shade Woodland Garden

other uses:

combine with:

impatiens coleus and autumn fern