When ivy is developing particularly well and has already reached its old age, many gardeners want to transplant the climbing plant. However, this is not easy and often not worth it. What you need to consider when transplanting ivy.
How to transplant ivy successfully?
Transplanting ivy is best done in spring or autumn by cutting back the plant, digging out the roots deeply, preparing the soil in the new location and watering the transplanted ivy well. You should then ensure there is sufficient moisture and climbing aids to promote renewed growth.
When should you transplant ivy?
Basically, any time other than winter is suitable for transplanting ivy. The only important thing is that the soil is frost-free and that you keep the plant sufficiently moist afterwards.
The ideal time for transplanting is early spring or autumn. When planting in autumn, to be on the safe side, protect the ivy from frost with a layer of mulch. If you transplant ivy in summer, you will need to water it more often as the soil dries out more quickly.
Preparations for transplanting
Cut the ivy down far. You cannot transplant a tall plant without breaking off shoots. Since older plants are very fast-growing, the ivy returns to its original height after a few years.
Prepare the soil in the new location by:
- loosen up well
- Remove compactions
- if necessary improve with compost
Dig up the roots as deeply as possible
Depending on its age, the roots of ivy can sit very deep in the soil. To ensure that the plant grows well in the new location, you should dig up as much of the root system as possible without causing any damage.
Prick around the plant with a digging fork (€139.00 on Amazon) to make it easier to determine exactly where the roots are.
The older and larger the ivy is, the more difficult it is to dig up and transport it, including the roots.
Caring for ivy after transplanting
After moving, cover the roots well with soil and carefully tamp them down.
Water the ivy, but make sure that it does not become waterlogged.
Tip
If you want to move tall ivy to a wall, you must initially tie the shoots to a climbing aid. It takes a while for new roots to form. Only then can the ivy climb up walls under its own power.