Boston Ivy (death)?

kjacobsondpt · May 2023

I need some help. I am not a green thumb.

In 2018, I planted 18-20 Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) to climb up/down/around my cedar fence around my pool.

Every year, vines grow longer producing bigger and better leaves than the year previously. I felt lucky.

The purpose of the plants were to hide a fence because fences aren’t attractive.

I live in Zone 5b.

Fast forward to the last week of April (24th) where I notice ivy blooms about to sprout. I was excited! The leaves did begin to emerge on the 28th.

However, we had an unusual frost x 3-4 days from 4/30 to 5/2 or 5/3. The frost has apparently killed 75% of the leaves. (Wilted and appear dead)

Weather is to remain on an upward trend to warmth.

Will my ivy resprout and grown new leaves? And if they do, how long would it take. Normally by 5/20, the vines have exploded with leaves.

Thanks for your help!

Fairygirl · May 2023

Hi @kjacobsondpt - this is a largely UK based forum, so it can be difficult to judge your conditions. However - 18 - 20 Boston Ivies is a massive amount unless they're going to be covering hundreds and hundreds of feet of wall/fence or similar. One plant will spread and cover the main wall of a large house here - easily 5 or 6 metres in each direction.

There may simply be far too much competition for all of them to thrive. They won't like being dried out, for example.
They're extremely hardy, so a frost wouldn't kill them, unless it's just some damage to new growth, which is common with lots of plants. It would usually grow back though, as soon as temps improve.

bédé · May 2023

If you are outside southern England, I can't help much. But check to see if the naked wood is still alive. If so there is not much else you can do but be patient.

Boston Ivy (death)?

Posts