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 to have ivy in your garden, you should think carefully about it. The robust plant is difficult to remove later.
How do I create an ivy hedge in the garden?
To create an ivy hedge, loosen the soil, create drainage if necessary, remove weeds, improve the soil and place the ivy 35-45 cm away from the trellis. Tie up vines, water regularly and trim the hedge later.
The right climbing aid
Ivy always needs a climbing aid. This can be an existing wall, a wooden fence or a chain link fence. It is important that the framework is stable and gives the roots an opportunity to attach themselves to the substrate.
When it comes to walls, it should be noted that the supply roots of the ivy can cause damage to the masonry. You should not add ivy to an already dilapidated wall.
Chain link fences are very often used as the basis for an ivy hedge. Make sure that the fence is stable, as ivy gains a lot of weight over time. If necessary, 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
- Loose the soil
- Create drainage if necessary
- Removing weeds
- Improve the soil with compost if necessary
- Insert ivy
- pour on
- cut later
- tie tendrils if necessary
You can plant ivy all year round. When planting in autumn, you should protect the young plants from frost and drying out with a layer of mulch.
The soil must be loose. Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs. In soils that are too moist, you should create drainage beforehand.
Place the ivy plants next to the trellis at a distance of 35 to 45 centimeters. In the first few years you will have to tie the vines by hand.
Caring for the ivy hedge
You should cut an ivy hedge regularly. Otherwise it will be too high. It should also be thinned out occasionally to prevent fungi and pests. Remove vines growing on the ground.
Ivy does not tolerate drought well. The hedge therefore needs to be watered regularly, especially in the first few years. Water them even in winter when the soil is very dry.
Tip
You can now get inexpensive pre-grown ivy hedges in stores. These are delivered by the meter and only need to be planted on a suitable trellis.
