Ivy

Profile

Family

Araliaceae

Habit

Climber

Height

18.5 m

Spread

10 m

Growth

medium

Lifespan

450 years

First yield

after 9 years

Hardiness

zone 5–10

Shade tolerance

full shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam, Clay

Soil moisture

very dry – very wet

pH

5.5 – 8

Planned in gardens

3×

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Although not edible, the seeds contain 16.2% protein and 35.1% fat. There is a report confirming these values.

Other uses: From the branches of the boxwood tree, yellow and brown dyes can be extracted. Boiling the leaves can produce black dyes and serve as a hair rinse to darken the hair. Boiling the leaves with soda can create a soap substitute for laundry. Boxwood is an excellent ground cover for shady areas and thrives in the dense shade of trees. It effectively suppresses weeds, with the 'Hibernica', 'Lutzii', and 'Neilsonii' varieties being highly recommended. Boxwoods can be grown along fences to form a hedge, with the 'Digitata' variety being particularly useful. Indoors, boxwoods can be grown in pots to filter toxins from the air, especially formaldehyde. It is advised to place the plants outside during the summer to benefit from this. The wood of the boxwood tree is very hard and can be used as a substitute for boxwood in engraving. It is also utilized as a strop for sharpening knives.

Growing

Ivy is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in all soil types except waterlogged, very dry, or highly acidic soils. It prefers some lime in the soil and grows well in heavy clay soils. Ivy can tolerate dense shade but may not flower in such locations. The plant is highly resilient and tolerant to air pollution. Established plants are drought-tolerant. Ivy is a highly decorative and sturdy plant that can withstand temperatures down to about -25°C. There are many named varieties, with variegated forms being less hardy than the species and requiring more light. Ivy is a vigorously growing climbing plant that clings with the help of aerial roots and often creeps along the ground in forests and hedges. It is beneficial when growing on a wall as it keeps the wall dry and serves as insulation without damaging its structure. It also does not harm large trees it climbs into, although it can shade smaller and sickly trees. It is not a parasitic plant but derives all its nutrients from the sun and soil. A highly beneficial plant for wildlife, providing dense shelter for birds, spiders, etc., a rich late nectar source for insects, and a supply of seeds for winter. It serves as a food plant for the larvae of many butterfly species. This species is particularly resistant to honey fungus.

Propagation

Remove the pulp that inhibits germination and sow the seeds in early spring in a cold frame. A four-week cold stratification improves germination. Once the seedlings are large enough, transplant them into individual pots and let them grow in the cold frame over their first winter. Plant them in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, at their final location. Take cuttings of semi-ripe wood in July/August in a shady spot in a frame. High success rate. Take cuttings of mature wood, 12 cm long, in November in a cold frame. Layering. Plants often do this naturally.

Notable

Features: Drought and dirt tolerant; protects undamaged masonry from rain and temperature fluctuations while providing habitat for insects, birds, etc.; Ivy purifies the air from benzene, formaldehyde, xylenes, and toluene (hence also good as a houseplant); Plants form hedges along fences; Many decorative varieties for various purposes, some only >2m tall; Non-parasitic: obtains all nutrients from the sun and soil.

Origin & habitat

Europe, including southern and eastern regions extending to the Mediterranean and Iran.

Wälder, Hecken und schattige Orte, die Bäume, Mauern usw. erklimmen und über den Boden klettern. Auf allen Arten von Böden zu finden.

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