How to Grow Varigated Ivy

Variegated ivy (Hedera helix "Variegata") is very similar in appearance to English ivy, but has showy leaves edged with white. Like many other ivies, it has evergreen foliage and can be used as a ground cover or climber. Variegated ivy is hardy in U.S. Department of Plant Hardiness Zones 5 through 10, where it can spread up to 50 feet if not pruned. It grows well in sun or part shade and evenly moist soil.

Things You'll Need

• Spade
• Organic mulch
• General purpose fertilizer
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Dig a hole the same depth as the roots of the variegated ivy and just wide enough to hold them without bunching. It performs well in alkaline or acidic soils and requires no amendments when planting.

2. Place the roots into the planting hole and cover them well. Water until the soil feels well-moistened, but not wet.

3. Spread 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch over the root zone, which improves soil quality, seals in moisture and prevents weed growth.

4. Feed with general purpose fertilizer in early spring, at a rate of 2 tbsp. for every square foot of garden space. Water deeply after fertilizing.

5. Prune as needed to control the size and shape of the ivy. Use sharp pruning shears and make cuts under a leaf node, which is the area where the leaf and stem join. Trim off dead or damaged portions of the plant when they are noticed.

6. Pinch the tips of the plant to stimulate new growth if sparse areas develop.

Tips & Warnings

• Trimmed portions of variegated ivy can be rooted in water as a simple and economical way to add more plants to the home or garden.

• Variegated ivy also can be grown indoors if provided with a peat-based potting mix and exposure to at least 10 hours of indirect sun or artificial light each day. Fertilize indoor grown plants six and eight times each year with 20-10-20 fertilizer, applied at a rate of 1 tsp. per gallon of water.

• Variegated ivy is a prolific grower that may outgrow available space if not pruned regularly.

References

• Brighter Blooms: Variegated Ivy
• Online Plant Guide.com: Hedera Helix 'Variegata' /Variegated English Ivy
• Yardener: Caring for English Ivy
• Texas A&M University: Pruning Ivy
• Virginia Cooperative Extension; English Ivy; Alex X. Niemiera; 2010
• University of Florida IFAS Extension; English Ivies to Know and Grow; R.W. Henley, et al.; October 2003