- Suitable locations for ivy as ground cover
- Prepare the ground well
- Plant ivy as ground cover
- How to care for ivy as a ground cover
Ivy is very popular as a ground cover because the plant grows very quickly and does well in the shade. Within two to three years it forms a dense, impenetrable surface. Once properly established, ivy requires little maintenance. How to grow ivy as ground cover in the garden.
Ivy as a groundcover forms a beautiful, sturdy carpet
Suitable locations for ivy as ground cover
Ivy as a ground cover tolerates almost all locations:
- sunny
- semi-shady
- shady
- wet
- no waterlogging
Ivy grows easily even in fully shaded locations. However, if you opt for variegated varieties, choose a location where the plant will receive at least a few hours of sunlight.
Prepare the ground well
Loosen the soil thoroughly and carefully remove all other plants. This is especially true for root weeds.
Ivy prefers moist soil, although it does not tolerate waterlogging. You should dig up compacted soil well before planting and refine it with sand and gravel.
Plant ivy as ground cover
The best time for planting is in the spring, before the ivy sprout again, or in the fall. It is important that the soil is well moist.
Place the plants in the ground 25 centimeters apart.
When planting in autumn, protect the young plants from the first frost with fir branches or brushwood. Later this is no longer necessary.
How to care for ivy as a ground cover
In the first two years you will still have to occasionally remove weeds. Later, the ground cover is so dense that other plants don't stand a chance.
In order for the ivy to grow nice and bushy and branch out well, cut it shorter regularly. Ivy tolerates pruning very well.
Ivy struggles with drought. In very hot summers, water the ground cover so that the soil never dries out completely. This also applies to winter. In very dry winters, you need to water ivy as a ground cover on frost-free days.
tips
When tending, trimming, and removing ivy, keep in mind that the plant contains toxins. They trigger allergic skin reactions. Therefore, always work with gloves and, to be on the safe side, put on a face mask for larger actions.