We have a three meter high ugly concrete wall on our property that we'd like to have covered in ivy. It will look nicer, and hopefully be cooler in summer. I know ivy is a weed, and can be destructive, but believe me, it will be nicer than our ugly wall. How can we nurture the ivy so that it grows both horizontally and vertically to completely cover the wall? (part of the wall is next to a path, so we can't plant all along the wall). Thanks in advance!
2007-02-07 19:02:36 · 14 answers · asked by Coco 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Simply plant it at the base of the wall and it will grow quite happily. it will cling to the wall of its own accord and won't need any additional support. You'll be surprised how quickly it grows! Try to get a variegated variety for a more interesting display.
2007-02-07 19:46:16 · answer #1 · answered by Secret Monitor 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ivy will find its own way as long as you choose the right variety, i.e. one that will grow upwards rather than along the ground. I have found Goldenheart to be really good and it has nice 'flower' heads that you can use in winter decorations. Keep it under control by cutting back with shears and you should be able to keep the lovely yellow centre to the leaves as it will revert to all green if left.
Why not combine the ivy with something like a climbing hydrangea? The flowers look lovely, birds like to nest in it and the ivy will provide the coverage you want when the hydrangea loses its leaves. The hydrangea is also self supporting so you don't need to put up wires or trellis.
2007-02-07 19:37:30 · answer #2 · answered by Mimette 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ivy Wall
2016-11-09 08:22:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of the above. But first you can always paint the wall the same shade as the Ivy you are going to grow so you don't have to look at the concrete.
2007-02-10 07:06:56 · answer #4 · answered by mamapig_57 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi :~)
Please contact a local nursery in your area & tell them you want to cover the wall & they'll be able to tell you a native (to your area) plant that'll probably look nicer & grow just as fast. An invasive ivy will affect not only your property, the seeds carried by birds & wind etc are seriously super bad for native habitat. How about Clematis?
Even ground covers grow pretty fast & stick to concrete well.
Good Luck :~))
oh yeah-bonus w/native plants, they don't need alot of extra work since they are suited to your climate Naturally. :~))
2007-02-07 19:22:36 · answer #5 · answered by les_4444 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Use a trellis so there is support otherwise any plant will flop to the floor under gravity. I would suggest trying something other than ivy though as it really can be destructive. Virginia Creeper is good as you get autumnal colour (glorious reds). Mix in a couple of clematis (montana go bananas) and/or honeysuckle for variety and flowers.
2007-02-07 19:07:45 · answer #6 · answered by frankiezee99 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have ivy on the front of my house and it tool about 10 years to spread properly, however you will need one of the ivy's that have the small rootlets to grip the concrete, also how new is the concrete as this may have some effect on the ability of the ivy to grow.
2007-02-07 19:12:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Just plant a few plants and it will soon be growing and vining up the wall. It will take a few years.
2007-02-07 23:51:22 · answer #8 · answered by couchP56 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not grow a grape vine. They are so beautiful in the autumn and you can make wine from the grapes in a few years time.
They are easy to grow and add great interest to your garden.
2007-02-10 09:35:06 · answer #9 · answered by Sheena 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just plant some, and wait. The ivy will do just fine all by itself.
2007-02-07 19:07:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋