Boston ivy is one of the fastest-growing vines there is. It’s been known to grow as much as 10 feet (3 meters) in a single season. It should be planted near a wall or other structure it can climb. Boston ivy is a perennial vine that develops and thrives faster in full sun. However, even in shade or partial shade, it will impress you with speedy growth. To launch it well at the start of the growing season, plant it about 12 inches (30 cm) from the main structure to which it will cling. Its growth may be slowed if positioned near other opportunistic vegetation.
How Long Does it Take Boston Ivy to Cover a Wall?
Depending on the size of the structure, Boston ivy can easily cover a wall in as little as two years. It can grow as wide as 30 feet (9 meters) and reach a height of 50 feet (15 meters) if no other vegetation interferes. This type of vine attaches itself to structures in one of two ways as it climbs and spreads.
- Boston ivy can cover an entire wall in two years.
- This vine can cling to walls through suction.
- If unobstructed, it can reach heights of 50 feet (15 meters) and widths of 30 feet (9 meters).
It is a twining vine, so it can use its tendrils to wrap around fences or trellises, but it can also use its “suckers” or “holdfasts,” as they are referred to by gardeners worldwide. These are simply tiny spots of adhesive-like substance that are found all along the stem of the vine. If the tendrils have nothing to wind around, such as is the case with a flat-surfaced wall, its suckers will cling to the wall. If unobstructed, it will easily cover an entire house wall in 2–2.5 years.
How Far Apart Should You Plant Boston Ivy?
Plant your Boston ivy 12 inches (30 cm) from the wall, trellis, or pot where you want it to grow. However, it’s best to keep it away from other vines or plants. This will prevent other plants from crowding out your ivy. Plant Boston Ivy 12 inches (30 cm) from any nearby plant.
- Plant Boston ivy 12 inches (30 cm) from structures or other plants.
- Boston ivy is an opportunistic vine.
- Plant Boston ivy at least 12 inches (30 cm) from other plants to prevent it from being crowded out.
Although it is considered an opportunistic vine–meaning it will grow anywhere there’s space–Boston vines are typically overpowered by other vegetation, especially ivy vines such as English Ivy or Virginia creeper. Planting Boston ivy at least 12 inches (30 cm) from other plants is the best way to prevent your Boston ivy from being smothered by other plants.
Does Boston Ivy Grow Year-Round?
Boston ivy can grow year-round in almost any climate, but its growth will slow significantly when temperatures are cold. In cold climates, leaves will turn dark purple and eventually drop. This will give the ivy the appearance that it is dead, but this is not usually the case.
- Boston ivy grows year-round.
- When the weather turns cold, leaves change color and drop.
- Boston ivy goes dormant during winter but quickly comes back in spring.
Boston ivy tolerates cold rather well, so it goes dormant during winter. However, your ivy will quickly thrive again when temperatures rise. When this happens, it rapidly returns to its former glory. Boston ivy is not picky about soil types. This hardy trait helps it live through late winter as well. Changes in soil moisture from one season to the next don’t bother Boston ivy as much as other plants.
Does Boston Ivy Need a Trellis?
Boston ivy should have a trellis or other structure to cling to as it grows. Otherwise, it will attempt to find something on its own, and you may end up with the vine sprawling out to overtake your yard. It’s best to provide your ivy plants with a supportive structure so that they don’t grow in an unwanted direction.
- Boston ivy doesn’t require a trellis, but a trellis is an excellent option.
- If this vine has no nearby structure, it will attempt to find something on its own.
- Unsupported Boston ivy may spread out and act as ground cover.
Due to its ability to cling to surfaces, Boston ivy can grow up a wall. However, the classic trellis is also a perfect place for this vine to grow. Its tendrils twine around the structure, finding various paths to grow both out and up. Although a trellis is not specifically required, it is an excellent support structure for your vine.
Can Boston Ivy Grow in Pots?
It’s possible to grow Boston ivy in pots, but it may not give desirable results. If your goal is smaller, more controllable vines, starting them in a pot is a good idea. If you want the vine to eventually grow big and bold in the great outdoors, it’s best to avoid pots and just plant them in the ground. If using containers, make sure they are large pots. A wide, half-barrel-style planter is best.
- Boston ivy can be grown in pots but won’t reach its full potential.
- If bolder, larger growth is desired, plant Boston ivy in the ground.
- Use large pots to grow Boston ivy.
- If replanting outside, place the roots at the same level they reached in the planter.
When replanting your vines outside, it is essential to place the roots at the same level they were in the planter; no deeper and no more shallow. This will ensure that the growing process is not interrupted.
Does Boston Ivy Grow Quickly?
Boston ivy is a fast-growing ivy that can shoot up to 10 feet (3 meters) in just one season. It should be planted next to something it can cling to, such as a wall or trellis. It flourishes best in full sun, but will grow speedily even in shade.
- Boston ivy is one of the world’s fastest-growing vines.
- It can grow in shade or sun but grows faster in sun.
- It should be planted 12 inches (30 cm) from the main structure it is intended to cover.
- It should not be positioned where it can be choked out by other vegetation.
By planting Boston ivy where it can grow up a structure and won’t be choked out by nearby plants or other additional ivy plants, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful green leaves from this deciduous vine. Boston ivy can grow in a wide range of soils, so plant it in your yard and watch it thrive.
