Boston Ivy is a woody creeping plant in the grape family. Its vines make it a beautiful ornamental plant as it spirals its way across walls, wires and fences.
It sticks to these surfaces using a sticky pad underneath the leaves and can eventually cover a great area of wall or whatever they are growing on. You can plant Boston Ivy in the ground or pots if you want.
We will be sharing tips for growing Boston Ivy in pots shortly.
Planting Boston Ivy
Boston Ivy or Japanese Ivy is a perennial, hardy vine with small green flowers that are not showy. It also produces clusters of small blue berries.
Boston Ivy is closely related to Virginia Creeper but they are not the same. Boston Ivy should be grown from spring to early autumn in a location that receives ample sunlight daily.
One good thing about Boston Ivy is that it is resistant to drought. You should mulch the soil it is planted in to conserve moisture during these periods.
If it begins to grow on a wall, make sure you want it as a permanent fixture because once it is established, it can be difficult to remove without harming the surface. Manage the growth of the vine by pruning it regularly as it can become quite invasive, covering gutters and windows.
You can plant Boston Ivy on the ground to act as cover in areas that are susceptible to erosion and around homes near the coast because it is also salt-tolerant. Provide support such as a trellis for the first few years until it begins to cling by itself.
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Is Boston Ivy Hard to Grow in a Pot?
Many people choose to grow Boston Ivy in pots and other containers. Boston Ivy is not a difficult plant to grow, even in pots.
However, there are rules to obey if you want to grow Boston Ivy in a pot successfully. First, you should never plant more than one plant in each pot.
The Boston Ivy grows profusely naturally and will need enough space to do so and if more than one is growing per pot, you will be faced with a tangled mess of vines eventually.
Next, ensure that the pot you intend to plant your Boston Ivy in has holes for drainage on the bottom. If this provision is not made, the roots will be left in excess moisture over long periods, resulting in weakness and decay.
In addition, because of how fast it grows, Boston Ivy will need to be confined to its pot because it is one of those plants that can develop roots wherever it touches the ground. Keep cutting it back or transfer it outside if it grows to this point.
More tips for growing Boston Ivy in pots are given below.
Tips For Growing Boston Ivy In Pots
For the best results, Boston Ivy grown in pots should receive enough sunshine and water. Remember that pot soil dries faster than garden soil therefore, water should be given more regularly.
These tips for growing Boston Ivy pots will be helpful:
1. Decide if you want them there or not
2. Add a stake or trellis
3. Water well and provide full sun
4. Choose the correct size of the pot
5. Prune the plants frequently
1. Decide if you want them there or not
Early on, decide if you want them to spread onto the wall or fence they are placed close to. The reason is that once they become established, they stick to the surface with suction cups then it becomes difficult to separate them without damaging the surface.
Sometimes you have to cut the vine from its roots so it can die and come off easily. If you want your Boston Ivy to wax strong you should let it grow so it won’t have to be removed.
2. Add a stake or trellis
During the early stages of the Boston Ivy’s life, they have not developed suction cups and cannot stick to walls and fences on their own. You do not want these to trail on the ground and form new roots so you should provide some form of support.
Add a stake or trellis they can grow on until they can cling without help. This also helps to keep the plant off the ground, preventing it from being trampled on.
3. Water well and provide full sun
As soon as you plant Boston Ivy you should water it properly, particularly one planted in a pot. Pot soil dries faster than outdoor soil and will need more regular watering.
If you live in a hot climate, your Boston Ivy should be watered every day even though it can tolerate short dry spells. Perform the finger test to determine if your container-grown Boston Ivy needs water.
Stick your finger into the soil and if it feels dry, proceed to water the plant.
As for its sun needs, Boston Ivy flourishes in full sun. Place the pot in a sunny spot and move it back into the partial shade if you notice temperatures rising.
4. Choose the correct size of the pot
Before you even plant the Boston Ivy, select a pot that is large enough and will not limit the growth of your plant’s roots. A 600mm wide pot is perfect for planting Boston Ivy.
Also makes sure it has drainage holes on the bottom. In case there are no holes, you can easily drill them yourself.
Fill the pot with loose, rich soil and do not plant more than one Boston Ivy plant in it.
5. Prune the plants frequently
As your Boston Ivy plant grows, expect it to spread rapidly. It would likely spill over the edge of the pot and onto the ground and nearby walls and surfaces.
You can control how far it reaches by pruning it. If you don’t do this at least 2 times a year, your Boston Ivy will grow too big for its pot.
The best time to prune Boston Ivy is in late winter when most of the leaves have fallen off and the plant has gone dormant. You can do this anytime you choose as long as you don’t remove too much at once.
As you carry out this exercise, be careful not to remove more than a third of the plant at a time.
FAQ’s
Does Boston ivy need sun?
Most garden soils are suitable for Boston ivy. It thrives in either full sun or shade, but keep in mind that if it’s growing in the shade, its fall foliage won’t be as striking. Due to its vitality, the plant requires a substantial wall; an obelisk or trellis won’t do.
How can I make Boston ivy grow faster?
It ought to be placed close to anything to which it may cling, such a wall or trellis. Although it thrives in full sun best, it may still grow quickly in shade. One of the fastest-growing vines in the world is Boston ivy. It can grow in the sun or the shade, but the sun is better for growth.
How often should I water Boston ivy
weekly
Boston ivy requires a typical amount of water. Make careful to water it thoroughly throughout the first growing season so the roots grow effectively.
Why is my Boston ivy dying?
Lack of water is the main cause of your Boston ivy plant’s wilting. If the leaves are also becoming brown or yellow, this is especially true. Wilting can also occur if your vines are constantly exposed to the sun and warm weather. Boston ivy vines may wilt if there is too much light or not enough water.
How do I make my ivy bushy?
Leggy vines can be cut down whenever necessary because frequent pruning makes your ivy grow fuller. When you prune in the early spring before the growing season, you’ll notice faster growth. When ivy is root-bound and the roots are poking through the growth pot’s bottom drain holes, repot it.
Conclusion
Boston Ivy is easy to grow as long as it is planted in the right pot, allowed to receive enough sun and provided with adequate water once in a while. It doesn’t even need fertiliser but a little pruning 2 or 3 times a year helps to keep it in shape.
We have given you 5 tips for growing Boston Ivy in pots. Practice all of them and watch your pot-grown Boston Ivy light up in red, orange and yellow hues next autumn!
