You can care for ivy not only in pots, but also in flower boxes. You can grow it as a climbing plant on the trellis or simply let the tendrils hang. You only need to pay attention to a few things to ensure that the climbing plant thrives. How to grow ivy in a flower box.
How do I care for ivy in the flower box?
To grow ivy in a flower box, choose a deep box with drainage holes, moist soil and a shady location. Water regularly, trim vines for bushier growth, and replace the soil annually. Ivy is hardy and only requires moderate fertilization.
The right flower box for ivy
If you want the ivy to thrive in the flower box for several years, choose boxes that are slightly deeper. The roots will have more space there later.
The boxes need good drainage holes so that rainwater and excess irrigation water can drain away. Even though ivy likes it a little damp, it can't tolerate waterlogging!
Care for ivy in the flower box
- Pouring
- cutting
- replace soil regularly
- fertilize only moderately
The care in the flower box is no different from the care in the pot. Always water the ivy when the top layer of soil has dried.
Cut the ivy regularly, then the plants will become bushier.
Fertilizing is not necessary. If you still want to fertilize, add some liquid fertilizer to the water every two to three weeks. However, you should replace the soil in the flower box once a year. The substrate decomposes over time so that the roots no longer have enough support.
The right location
Ivy prefers shady locations to sunny places. You can therefore grow ivy in a flower box on a north-facing balcony.
Avoid too much direct sunlight. In order for the colorful-leaved species to develop their colors, they need around four hours of sun per day - but not direct midday sun.
Overwintering ivy in the flower box
Ivy is absolutely hardy. Only in the first year is it recommended to wrap the box with some jute (€12.00 on Amazon) or bubble wrap and place it on an insulating surface.
Water ivy on frost-free days, even in winter. Dryness is more of a problem for the plant than cold.
Tip
Initially, ivy doesn't grow very quickly. If the climbing plant in the flower box is to serve as a privacy screen for the balcony, plant morning glories between the individual plants in the first year. Ivy also looks very pretty in the flower box when combined with clematis.
