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Boston Ivy advice

mbrehonymbrehony Posts: 10
in Problem solving
Hi Everyone, I had what looked to be a very healthy-looking Boston Ivy up until about 3-4 weeks ago. It had great coverage on the wall had a nice colour. Its about 12 months old, was regularly watered and fed. I have attached a picture to show. I have attached another picture of one the other side, little younger(6-8 months) but as can see, a lot healthier. 

Any helpful tips or advice be appreciated. 


Posts

  • EmptyheadtimeEmptyheadtime Posts: 366
    edited October 2022
    My Boston ivy turned red a couple of weeks ago and has shed all its leaves now, as it always does. Boston ivy is not evergreen. That said your leaves look rather small for a Boston ivy, mine are about the size of my hand, but that may because yours is a young plant. The yellow leaf in the second picture looks more like a Virginia creeper to me. I have never fed or watered mine either and it’s been just fine over the years.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    Boston ivy colours early but doesn't last long.
     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."
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Yes, just a natural colour change before leaf drop.  Now that your plant is established, I'd be inclined to remove all those green plastic tags to give the stems room to expand.  You could also remove the cane if the plant seems secure.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They're very close to the wall, but as long as they have adequate moisture, they should be ok. I agree with @Plantminded - untie them and let them get going now. 
    I'd agree that the yellow leaf in that 2nd pic looks more like V. creeper. They're both Parthenocissus, but have different names - B. Ivy is tricuspidata, and V. creeper is quinquefolia. It describes the shape of the foliage.  :)
    Most are finished round here by now, but there's a few bits hanging on in more sheltered gardens. Both are lovely plants. 

    I hope you have a lot of room.... ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    There's also a label attached in the second photo so that should confirm the ID! 
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • mbrehonymbrehony Posts: 10
    @Fairygirl and @Plantminded they are both tricuspidata. So you think to untie the stem and give it more of a chance is it? 
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Yes, @mbrehony, that will certainly help.  You could also apply a mulch of organic material around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and add extra nutrients for the new growing season but keep it a couple of inches clear of the main stem.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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