How do i grow Ivy up my balcony wall

Niamho · Hazel Tree Joined: 19 Aug 2009 Posts: 5

Hi there,
I am after buying a Goldheart variegated Ivy plant to grow up my balcony wall. The thing is, I don't know how! The ivy came in a small enough pot and wrapped around a bamboo stick. I bought it about a month ago and positioned it next to the wall I want it to grow up, to help it get used to its surroundings (I am VERY new to gardening!). So what do I do next? I would like to repot it as the pot is a little rubbish looking. Do I take the bamboo support away or leave it? Do I feed it? So many questions, any answers?
Thanks,
N

BlackBird · Ash Tree Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 208

michael brenock · Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 3:58 pm Post subject:

If the wall is freshly painted the Ivy may refuse to cling on for a while (1-2 yrs). Always try and cover the lower part of the wall first by training the first shoots horizontally. Over the years remove at source any shoot that is plain green and not coloured as this will grow faster and become dominant and less attractive.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

Niamho · Hazel Tree Joined: 19 Aug 2009 Posts: 5

Thanks for your replies Blackbird and Michael. Sorry I'm being a bit dim, but should I remove the bamboo stick that it is wrapped around at the moment after planting and then try to encourage it up the wall?

Thanks
N

michael brenock · Posted: Thu Aug 20, 2009 5:46 pm Post subject:

yes remove the bamboo cane before or after planting.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)