{"id":2696,"date":"2019-05-09T00:03:44","date_gmt":"2019-05-09T07:03:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/hortlib\/pal\/pal-question-488\/"},"modified":"2023-12-30T10:57:00","modified_gmt":"2023-12-30T18:57:00","slug":"ivy-and-other-clinging-vines","status":"publish","type":"pal","link":"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/hortlib\/pal\/ivy-and-other-clinging-vines\/","title":{"rendered":"ivy and other clinging vines"},"content":{"rendered":"

My question is about ivy for growing up a brick wall. What would you recommend? How do Boston ivy and English ivy compare for this purpose? We live in New Jersey.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

First of all, it is important to know that clinging plants, such as
\nBoston ivy and English ivy have the potential to “damage old, soft mortar
\nand strip off pebbledash”. (Gardening with Climbers<\/em><\/a> by Christopher
\nGrey-Wilson and Victoria Matthews) It is also suggested that these
\nvines have a “structurally sound surface and must be prevented from
\nreaching under house eaves and roof tiles and into window casements.”
\n(The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary Manual of Climbers and
\nWall Plants<\/em><\/a> edited by JK Burras and Mark Griffiths)<\/p>\n

The New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team<\/a> has a factsheet on both English ivy (Hedera helix<\/em>)and Boston ivy<\/a> (Parthenocissus<\/em>).<\/p>\n

In addition to taking this information into consideration, it would also
\nbe important to identify the amount of sunlight and the extent to which
\nthe side of the house will be exposed to harsh winter winds and
\ntemperatures. Neither Boston nor English ivy is recommended for full
\nsunlight. Boston ivy will give you more fall color and interest and will
\nwithstand cold winters. (Simon & Schuster’s Guide to Climbing Plants<\/a> by
\nEnrico Banfi and Francesca Consolino)<\/p>\n

If you want to consider an alternative vining plant, you might want to install a trellis. That way you will not have to rely solely on vines which cling to the brick. You could try Clematis or some the honeysuckle species that are native to the northeastern U.S. There are several listed in this article (now archived) by William Cullina, “Alternatives to invasive or potentially invasive exotic species,”<\/a> from the New England Wildflower Society:<\/p>\n