Ivy (Hedera helix) is a native plant that is absolutely hardy. It is well adapted to our temperatures and therefore tolerates frost without any problems. A bigger problem, however, is the water supply in winter. In contrast to common ivy, variegated varieties are not always as frost-tolerant and should be kept in buckets.

Older ivy plants are absolutely hardy

Common ivy is absolutely hardy

Common ivy in the garden is hardy and does not require any form of winter protection. It is only advisable to protect young plants from frost in the first year outdoors. As winter protection we offer:

  • brushwood
  • fir branches
  • leaves
  • mulch cover

If ivy is grown on fences as a climbing plant, it occasionally causes frost damage, which at most endangers privacy. To winterize these plants, simply place a few pine branches between the ivy tendrils.

Avoid fertilizing outdoor ivy after July. The additional nutrients form new shoots that do not harden until winter. These freeze off in severe frosts.

Variegated varieties are not always hardy

Variegated varieties of ivy are not as hardy as common ivy. They usually only tolerate minus temperatures between -5 and -10 degrees. Some species do not survive frosts at all. If you are not sure, you should seek advice from a garden specialist.

Ivy varieties that are not absolutely hardy should always be grown in tubs or pots on balconies and patios. Then you can better protect them from frost by covering them. You can also place the planter on an insulating base such as wood or styrofoam.

Overwinter ivy as a houseplant

Ivy, which you keep as a houseplant, grow in the same place all year round. Lowering the temperatures is not necessary as long as you water sufficiently. However, do not place the plants too close to heaters in winter.

Plants that have always been indoors should not be placed outside in winter. They need a longer period of acclimatization to harden in order to survive sub-zero temperatures unscathed.

Don't forget to water in winter

Drought in winter is harder on ivy than frost. If there is little rainfall, the soil dries out too much and the plant dries up. You should therefore water ivy regularly even in winter. This applies to outdoor plants as well as to ivy in pots.

Watering is done on frost-free days, and as much as possible. But make sure that there is no waterlogging.

The older the ivy is, the deeper the roots go into the ground. Watering is usually not necessary for very old plants.

tips

If you keep ivy in a box on the balcony, some winter protection can be useful. You winterize the climber by wrapping the planter in burlap or bubble wrap. However, regular watering on frost-free days is more important than winter protection.

Category:

Indoor plants