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Irish ivy not climbing?

mra19845GJyKRC-mra19845GJyKRC- Posts: 7
in Problem solving
I’ve planted a couple of Irish ivy about 30cm away from new brick wall tilted them onto the wall a few months back. They are growing a bit (about 60-70cm high) but only along the floor really. I was told that their aerial roots would climb and cover the wall quickly and not damage it. None of the ivy branches are clinging though. Could I have done something wrong? I thought Irish ivy didn’t need a trellis or should I have picked something else 
cheers all 
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  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    From memory I think it takes a while for them to start clinging.
    Once they've settled in they should start clinging to the wall without any help.
    Just give them a bit more time :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Sometimes a bit of encouragement by using a bit of sticky tape to hold them close to the wall can help them ‘get the idea’. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @mra19845GJyKRC- It takes about two years for Ivy to start to cling. The first couple of years are spent putting down roots. most but not all Ivies fix and climb. Yours will be fine, I would avoid an old wall with lime mortar.If you do decide to remove it in the future you will have marks in the wall which may never disappear. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    That is a very good point @GardenerSuze … there was ivy on this house two owners ago.  The owners before us removed the ivy in around 2009 … the aerial roots are still firmly attached to the brickwork in several places and cannot be removed without damaging the (relatively modern) brickwork. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    Hedera hibernica is well-known not to climb.  I have it as a ground cover and it does try to climb, but is easily dislodged.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    I grow Hedera Helix Erecta, curious and slow growing.

    Years ago Gardener's Question Time recorded at our Garden club. We were asked to submit questions for the panel. I was chosen to put the question to Bunny Guiness regarding ivy marks, she suggested covering in yogurt to encourge lichen! The wall I had in mind was south facing, I just thanked her as I hated every minute. Most other members had refused to put a question just wanted to be in the audience. I felt I had to do something as I was on the commitee never again. So I always have ivy marks in mind when it comes to walls. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    I think the RHS has done some research that proves Ivy protects a wall. It stops rain from damaging the bricks?
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited September 2022
    I have Hedera colchica climbing up a wall. I got the idea from the National Triust Polesden Lacy's famous medallion wall. And also as ground cover. Good if you want large leaves.

    Otherwise, just about any ivy except Irish. My favourite for on a wall are: colchica as mentioned, Curly Locks (aka Manda's Crested) with apple- green leaves), Ivalace if you want a dark leaf and fast growth, or any variegated to choice.  Not Erecta, that's something quite different.

    Try to get hold of : 'Ivies' by Peter Rose, my copy published 1980.

    As far as residual root marks left where ivy used to grow.  I have some that have not budged for 20 years on a dry wall.  I doubt whether yoghurt or lichens would work.  Permanent damp and nitrogen fertilise might help it rot, but I haven't tried this.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • mra19845GJyKRC-mra19845GJyKRC- Posts: 7
    I didn’t realise Irish ivy is well known not to climb… shame. Looks like I may have to replace with this Colchica then as I have a new build with a brick wall on one side of rear garden that I thought I would like to cover. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It does climb. I have it here - and it's half way up an established conifer trunk now, as well as over the shed   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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