Ivy Cottage with no Ivy!
LittleRed
Posts: 2
Hello everyone,
I live in a house called Ivy Cottage - unfortunately I just had to remove the Ivy!
We discovered during a basement renovation, the roots had spread under the house. It hadn't cause any damage but during the course of the work we discovered the original Victorian stone floor and spent quite a bit of money restoring it. Our builder advised us not to put the ivy back as it could damage the new drainage and underfloor heating.
So now I'm left with no ivy at all and a huge naked Yorkshire stone back wall.
I've been wondering if its possible to plant climbers, such as Virginia Creeper in containers? If so that might allow us to have a lovely covered wall again but no risk of root issues.
Could containers work? If not, is there an alternative 'safe' climber?
Thanks for your help,
S
Posts
I suspect the solution will depend on which way your wall faces and how big a container you have. I suppose you could always get a water butt, cut the bottom off and sink it into the ground. You'll need to feed regularly.
Having lived in a house with virginia creeper I would avoid it. Far too vigorous and don't forget it is deciduous and makes a dreadful mess. If you want an ivy-like appearance you really want an evergreen. How about one of the climbing hydrangeas like Hydrangea seemanii? We have one in a container covering a 6ft wall but they will grow to 10m I believe. Not as vigorous as VC or ivy but then we do rather neglect ours.
Last edited: 19 February 2017 22:59:49
Thanks both - much appreciated.
The wall faces west and had 20 meters of ivy growing up it!
I have a Hydrangea out the front. It's probably been there for about 30 years and covers much of the front of the house. I love it in summer but it's not an evergreen. I always think it's a shame when the leaves drop in winter and its bare.