Ivy is an extremely fast-growing climbing plant that not only spreads upwards, but also on the ground. Ivy is therefore very popular as a privacy screen on fences, for greening facades or as ground cover in the garden. How fast does ivy grow?
How fast does ivy grow in the garden?
Ivy grows slowly in the first few years, but once established in the garden it can grow up to two meters per year. It not only grows upwards, but also as a ground cover on the ground.
At first, ivy grows slowly
In the first few years, ivy growth is not so pronounced. However, once the plant has settled into the garden, you can almost watch it grow.
In a favorable location with sufficient moisture but without waterlogging, ivy sometimes grows up to two meters per year.
Ivy not only grows upward if it finds enough support on walls, fences or trees, it also spreads on the ground. It is therefore often used as a ground cover or for planting graves.
Growth in the age form
At a certain age, usually around ten years old, ivy reaches its mature form. It then grows upwards like a bush and no longer spreads via climbing vines.
In its mature form, ivy prefers sunny locations and produces flowers in autumn and later fruits. The fruits are very poisonous and should under no circumstances be allowed into the hands of children.
Regular cutting is important
To prevent ivy from overgrowing the entire garden in a short time, you must cut it regularly. This is especially true if it grows on the wall of the house. As soon as the tendrils reach the windows or the roof, shortening is necessary.
If ivy is grown as a hedge, it should be cut back and thinned out at least once a year. This prevents illnesses.
Ideal privacy protection even in winter
As problematic as the growth of ivy may be, ivy is ideal as a hedge in the garden. In contrast to other hedge plants, ivy is evergreen and forms a dense privacy screen even in winter.
Caring for ivy is incredibly easy. Apart from regular cutting, ivy does not require any other care.
Ivy can become a weed
Due to its rapid spread, ivy can become a dreaded weed in the garden. Destruction is complex. Before you decide on ivy as a privacy plant or for facade greening, you should consider a few points:
- Ivy needs to be cut regularly
- Ivy must not be grown on every wall
- Ivy cannot be removed from walls without leaving residue
- How do you prune high altitude ivy?
- Where do I put the scraps?
- Ivy is poisonous – for people and animals
- Ivy is difficult to remove
Tip
If you have a lot of ivy in the garden, you will need large amounts of clippings in later years. You cannot put these clippings in the compost. An alternative are collection points for green waste, which are offered by many municipalities.
