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Evergreen but non invasive ivy

mra19845GJyKRC-mra19845GJyKRC- Posts: 7
in Problem solving
I’m looking for an ivy to cover the side of my house, wall and perimeter to provide a bit of buffer. Boston ivy or Virginia creeper look the safest re foundations etc but they are not evergreen so won’t help in the winter. Any ideas? Thanks Matt 

Posts

  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Look at some of the small leaf variegated ivies.  You can grow them in decent sized containers and they will cling to the house walls.  I find they prefer a N or E aspect and will require training up supports until they begin to attach themselves.
    If you plant them directly in the ground just ensure the soil level is below any DPC.  They will attempt to spread out at ground level too so a barrier of sorts may be needed.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    It is worth knowing that where Ivy fixes to a wall it leaves a mark. If you decide to remove the Ivy at a later date of if it gets out of hand it is almost impossible to remove the mark. If the wall is old and lime mortar it can damage it. Not sure if it will damage cement. There has also been research that shows it can protect a wall. I would certainly do some research before going ahead.
    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 May 2023
    My favourite is "Curly Locks" (aka Manders Crested).  I grow it as ground cover and up a wall.  It is quite controllable.  But there are dozens of others.  Consult a specialist.

    Hedera colchica has bigger leaves.  Mine wa damaged this winter but it is generally hardy enough.  See the ivy wall at National Trust, Polesden Lacy.
     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
    @mra19845GJyKRC- 1984Just t add a future purchaser might want you to remove the Ivy, you will leave a real mess of marks. I asked a question once to the radio Gardener's Question Time Team[scary or what] "How to remove Ivy leaf marks" reply" yogurt"???????
    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 May 2023
    Most clinging plants will leave a trace when removed from a wall.  I am currently reducing Hydrangea petiolaris.  Ivy rots faster than most climbers and it can all be rubbed away eventually.  Yoghurt feeds the bacteria/fungi that power the rotting.

    I once had an argument with the locals in a pub (NB. locals are always right).  I had seen one of them stripping ivy off a wall.  They said that ivy damages walls I said that most of the damaged came from the action of removing, (cob, certainly).  Impasse. Pints all round.
     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."
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    The point about ivy possibly causing damage to house walls is certainly something to consider as @GardenerSuze says but it will depend on the construction of the wall.  I can only speak of a thick rendering over a stone built house ( which also causes problems in itself ) and in this particular case, my ivy does not cause any destructive damage.  Admittedly, it will leave marks when stripped off as will any climber which attaches itself to the wall as opposed to a separate support structure.
    I also have basic ivy growing up another stone built wall which provides nesting and food along roughly 3 metres.  Been there about 50 years and I keep it trimmed back after nesting season, it doesn't cause a problem.
    I guess what most are saying @mra19845GJyKRC- is to consider the structure of your house walls and take it from there :)  
  • mra19845GJyKRC-mra19845GJyKRC- Posts: 7
    Thanks all. Thinking of trying some Colchica but on the wall part of the garden and not the house and take it from there. Appreciate all the advice. 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited May 2023
    I grow sulphur heart on a wall. It will take sometime to actually climb as it concentrates on settling in at first and forming a good root system. It doesn't seem to' fix' so easily as the common Hedera Helix. I wouldn't spend money on a large plant, smaller plants will get away well once roots are established. 

    Like @philippasmith2 I have another small leaved form that has been growing on another wall for twenty years. It has it's own ecosytem home to birds, insects mice and much more.

    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • WaterbutWaterbut Posts: 344
    Having had bad experience with ivy I would not touch it with a barge pole. How about some form of trellis and grow something like clematis or like my daughter did grow a grape vine.
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