Ivy is an evergreen, frost hardy self-climber that is ideal if you want to create a hedge as a privacy screen. Before you decide on ivy in the garden, you should think about it carefully. The robust plant can hardly be removed later.

An ivy hedge is a reliable year-round privacy screen

The right climbing aid

Ivy always needs a climbing aid. This can be an existing wall, a wooden fence or chain link fence (34.49€). It is important that the framework is stable and gives the adhesive roots a chance to attach themselves to the ground.

In the case of walls, it should be noted that the supply roots of the ivy can damage the masonry. You should not green an already dilapidated wall with ivy.

Chain link fences are very commonly used as the basis for an ivy hedge. Make sure the fence is sturdy, as ivy grows heavy over time. You may have to tighten the tension wires from time to time so that the hedge does not hang down.

How to create an ivy hedge

  • loosen soil
  • Apply drainage if necessary
  • remove weeds
  • Possibly improve soil with compost
  • insert ivy
  • pour on
  • cut later
  • tie tendrils if necessary

You can plant ivy all year round in the garden. When planting in autumn, you should protect the young plants from frost and drying out with a mulch layer.

The soil must be loose. Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs. If the soil is too wet, you should first create a drainage system.

Place the ivy plants 35 to 45 centimeters apart next to the trellis. In the first few years you still have to tie the tendrils by hand.

Care of the ivy hedge

You should trim an ivy hedge regularly. Otherwise it will be too high. It should also be thinned out occasionally to prevent fungi and pests. Remove tendrils growing on the ground.

Ivy does not tolerate drought well. The hedge must therefore be watered regularly, especially in the first few years. Water them even in winter when the soil is very dry.

tips

In the meantime you can get inexpensive hedges made of ivy in the shops. These are delivered by the meter and only have to be planted on a suitable trellis.

Category:

Indoor plants