Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:26 pm
The ivy is a well-known evergreen climbing plant that can form narrow hedges on wire mesh grids, for example. The ivy needs this wire mesh lattice, because as a climbing plant it cannot remain upright on its own. In the wild, therefore, it also grows along walls and trees, which can then provide the necessary stability. So in the garden we use the ivy as a hedge, which can then grow along a wire mesh trellis for proper stability. Ivy also has a reputation for being a particularly fast-growing climber. That’s why we’re happy to tell you more about how fast an ivy grows.
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How fast does the ivy grow along a wire mesh trellis?
How fast the ivy can grow along a wire mesh trellis also depends a bit on the variety of ivy. The common ivy (in Latin: Hedera helix) has slightly smaller leaves and grows a little slower than the Irish ivy (in Latin: Hedera hibernica), which has larger leaves. However, for both varieties of ivy, they take about three years to fully grow over a wire mesh trellis. If you want to have a full-grown ivy hedge faster, then we can always still use the ivy elements from our prefabricated hedges. Then, immediately after planting, you will have an opaque hedge and plenty of privacy in your garden. The wire mesh trellis should also always be anchored between two wooden posts, so that it has a stable hold. Click on the link planting ivy if you want to learn more.
Care ivy
Initially, it is a great advantage that the ivy is a fast-growing plant. Namely, you will then get a pretty, opaque hedge in a relatively short time. However, the ivy keeps growing and growing, even if the hedge has already reached the height you want. In order to keep the growth under control, the ivy should therefore be pruned at least twice a year, so that the plant does not become too wide. If you cut the hedge at least twice a year, the result will be a wonderfully balanced hedge that will still have enough strong, green leaves on the underside, making it well opaque over the entire area. So if you cut an ivy hedge often enough, it will also remain wonderfully narrow and is then also suitable for smaller gardens.
How can I redirect an ivy?
The plants need a little help to grow well along and through a wire mesh. First, skillfully direct the longer branches up so that the plants will reach a wonderful height. After that, you should skillfully direct the branches to the left and right sides. This will then allow you to redirect the branches later to fill any holes in the hedge. The ivy grows mainly in height it usually likes to grow exactly where other branches are already. After all, it does not like wind so much and therefore it will always try to avoid wind by itself. That is why it needs your help. However, with an ivy you will definitely have a fast-growing evergreen hedge in your garden.
Guide the branches in the direction you want by snaking them through the wire mesh. However, you can also tie the small branches with a special cord or elastic PVC cord. Do not use rope, metal wire or cable ties, because they will drill into the wood of the branches as they grow larger and thicker.
So, an ivy hedge is an ideal hedge for both larger and smaller gardens if you are willing to put some effort into caring for the ivy. Timely care and pruning of the ivy is therefore important. You will then have an evergreen, opaque hedge in the garden, from which you can then also expect a lot of protection and privacy.