Ivy as a privacy screen: The best tips for planting and care
Ivy is a popular hedge plant that is characterized by its fast and dense growth habit, its easy care and its evergreen leaves. It is an ideal choice for those looking for a natural privacy screen that is easy to trim and keep in shape. Ivy is ideal for small urban gardens.
If you would like to find out more about ivy hedges, we have put together a selection of planting and care tips to help you get the most out of this plant:
Best time for planting
The best time to plant an ivy hedge is in spring or autumn. In spring, the soil is still moist and the plants have enough time to establish themselves before winter. In autumn, the plants are already in the dormant phase and can thus survive the winter without stress. However, Ivy can be safely planted until November.
Preparing the soil
The soil for planting an ivy hedge should be well-drained. If the soil is too clayey, it should be loosened with sand or gravel. For sandy soils, adding compost or humus is advisable to increase soil fertility.
Distance between plants
The planting density depends on the desired height of the hedge. For a low hedge of around one meter, the plants should be planted 20-30 cm apart. For a higher hedge of around two meters, the distance between the plants should be 30-40 cm. For a ready-made ivy hedge, we will determine the optimal number of plants for you in advance.
Discover our different hedge heights by looking here .
Planting depth
The plants should be planted deep enough so that the roots are completely covered with soil to provide a stable base for growth.
Care of the ivy hedge
Caring for an ivy hedge is extremely straightforward, making it an ideal choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. The basics of care include regular watering, occasional fertilization, and proper pruning .
Pour
Ivy is a water-loving plant and appreciates a constant supply of moisture. The hedge should be watered regularly, especially in the first year after planting, especially in dry summers.
Fertilize
Regular fertilization is generally not necessary unless the soil is extremely nutrient-poor. In this case, targeted fertilization can support plant health.
Cut
Ivy can be trimmed all year round. The best time to trim it is in spring, before the new shoots appear. Trimming, which is actually very easy and time-efficient, allows the hedge to be kept in shape and its height regulated.
For a clear illustration and detailed instructions on how to cut our Efeuria ivy hedges, please read the blog article " Cutting ivy hedges: How it's done " .
Tip : Discover our first-class ready-made ivy hedges in the Efeuria shop for immediate privacy with a feel-good guarantee!
Advantages and disadvantages of ivy hedges
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
🌱 Fast growing 🌿 Easy care ❄️ Wintergreen 🌳 Provides visual, noise, insect and bird protection |
🏡 Can damage walls and facades 🌍 Can spread roots ❕May be toxic |
Want to know more? Read our detailed blog articles about the pros and cons of ivy hedges: Pros & Cons
Conclusion
Ivy is proving to be an increasingly popular option for garden hedging thanks to its easy maintenance, fast growth and evergreen leaves. The versatile ability to create a flexible and natural privacy screen makes ivy an attractive choice for gardening enthusiasts.
Do you have any further questions about using ivy as a garden hedge ? Do not hesitate to contact us. We're here to help!