Care of Boston Ivy

Overview

Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) , also known as Japanese creeper is an aggressive grower with large serrated green leaves in the summer that turn purple green in and fall. The vine blooms with small, indistinguishable flowers that become purple berries, attracting birds and bees, according to North Carolina State University Extension. This low-maintenance plant requires very little care, reasonable watering and the occasional pruning to keep its growth in check.

Annual Care

Step 1

Feed your ivy annually with a slow-release fertilizer that can supply plant nutrition over an extended period. Sprinkle the fertilizer on the soil of the ivy bed, keeping it off the leaves. Do not over-fertilize as this can lead to fungus problems. The American Ivy Society recommends using a good granular fertilizer, such as 12-12-12 (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium).

Step 2

Water the ivy a minimum of once a week (more in arid areas). Be sure the ground stays moist. Increase watering if signs of wilt appear.

Step 3

Add 2 to 4 inches of mulch to the soil near young plants and mix it in by hand, being careful not to damage the plant's roots. Older ivy plants do not require mulching.

Step 4

Prune the plant in early spring before new growth begins. Using sharp shears, cut back excessive growth and dead areas. Don't worry about removing too much, the plant is an aggressive grower and will return with great vigor. Prune wandering tendrils to keep the plant trained.

Step 5

Propagate new plants in spring by cutting young tendrils and rooting them in a glass with water and aquarium charcoal until roots form. In three weeks time, plant the new cuttings to add to your ivy bed slightly deeper than it was previously growing, advises Gillia Hawke of the Ivy Society.