How fast does English ivy grow. English ivy is one of the evergreen perennial plants. It is also known as the woody vine.
How fast does English ivy grow
It is suited for gardens and habitats, where they can climb and cover the buildings or walls.
It’s a fast-growing plant that reaches almost 8 inches in height. It gains a height of up to 80 feet.
It is classified to be a noxious weed in 46 states of America. It is a foliage type of plant because of its evergreen leaves.
The English ivy is indigenous to Europe, Russia, and Scandinavia regions.
Plant Specifications | |
| Common name | English ivy, common ivy, European ivy |
| Scientific name | Hedera helix |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Native | Europe, Scandinavia, Russia |
| Plant | Evergreen perennial plant |
| Roots | aerial roots |
| Flowers | Greenish white and greenish-yellow flowers |
| Leaves | evergreen leaves |
| Favorable season | Spring |
| Mature plant size | 6-8 in. tall and 15 ft. wide |
| Requirements | Shade, fertile soil, neutral to slightly alkaline PH |
| Blooming season | Fall |
| Hardiness zone | 4-9 (USDA) |
| toxicity | Toxic to humans and animals |
Growth of English Ivy
If all the conditions are fit for the growth of English ivy, it can grow up to 9 feet annually. The fast growth depends upon appropriate adjustments and afterward caring for English ivy.
The use of fertilizers and proper watering encourages the plant to grow fast.
Growth Stages of English Ivy
English Ivy has two growth stages.
The Juvenile Stage
- After planting the English ivy;
- You will see glossy, evergreen leaves in the juvenile stage.
- The leaves consist of three to five points on tough, climbing stems.
- The plant consists of 4 inches long leaves, without flowers and fruit in this stage.
The Adult Stage
- This stage is quite different.
- The plant modifies its leaves to round, lobe-less leaves with greenish-white flowers and bluish-black fruits. Flowering is in spring, and fruits are grown in fall.
Factors Influencing Growth Rate of Ivy
English Ivy is pretty adaptable to various situations.
Some of the factors affect the growth rate of the plant. The factors include;
Sunlight
English ivy is a shade-loving plant. A Moderate to full shade stimulates the growth of the plant.
Avoid full sunlight. An increase in sun exposure will dry out the plant, decreasing its growth.
Temperature
Keep the English ivy plant at an ideal temperature, 15-25 degrees centigrade. A cold temperature decreases the growth rate of the plant.
Watering
English ivy requires moist soil. That can be opted by properly watering the plants. Poor watering may cause a decrease in the growth rate of the plant. Avoid overwatering.
Potting Soil
To increase the growth rate of English ivy, add well-draining fertile soil. A less fertile soil causes a decrease in the growth rate of the plant.
Growing English Ivy Indoors
If the environment is favorable for English ivy, it can grow fast when planted indoors.
Fertilizer/ Plant Feed
English ivy requires the desired fertilizer every two weeks during the spring and summer seasons.
Fertilizer Desired ratio
- 20-20-20 fertilizer
- 2-2-2 organic formula
If the plant is going through stress, don’t opt for fertilizers.
Stressful conditions include;
- Too hot condition
- Too cold condition
- Too much dry soil
- When leaves stop to produce
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
- Aphides
- Spider mites
- bacterial leaf spot (Xanthomonas)
- Rhizoctonia root rot
Conclusion
It’s a fast-growing plant that reaches almost 8 inches in height. It climbs high up to 80 feet. It is classified to be a noxious weed in 46 states of America.
If all the conditions are favorable for the growth of English ivy, it can grow up to 9 feet annually. The fast growth depends upon appropriate adjustments and afterward caring for English ivy.
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