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Though a woody vine rather than a tree, Ivy can make a versatile bonsai.
Most ivy have five lobed, dark evergreen leaves and a rigid trunk. Glossy,
sometimes leathery foliage, younger leaves are very dark green with
contrasting light veins, while older leaves are lighter with less prominent
veins. Juvenile (smaller, lobed leaves) and mature growth (broad ovate
leaves) are distinct in other ways, and it is important to pinch out mature
leaves to keep growth uniform.
As a natural understory plant, it can be grown out doors or indoors, as it tolerates low light conditions well.
Hardiness: Zone 4 to 8 with winter protection.
Light: Partial shade ideally. Can thrive in full sunlight to deep shade in the landscape, though leaves will show
sunburn damage in strong full sun.
Soil: Well draining, but high in organic matter.
Watering: Generously in the growing season. Never allow to completely dry out, or remain constantly boggy.
Fertilizer: Balanced fertilizer every two weeks through the growing season.
Pests and Diseases: Mites, aphids, scale/mealy bugs and leaf spot.
Repotting: Every two to three years in spring.
Pruning and Styling: Ivy tolerates severe pruning. Cut new shoots back to one or two leaf pairs as needed
through the growing season. Remove "mature" foliage. Can support some shari.
Propagation: Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Styles and Forms: Root over rock, exposed root, clump, cascade, semi-cascade work well with ivy's natural habit.
Most other styles but straight trunked form also work.
Species and Cultivars: 'Plume d'Or' little skinny leaves. Shrubby dwarf habit. Zone 7.
'Spetchley' Gnome or Minima. Tiny blackish green foliage tinged purple in winter. One of the smallest varieties.
Zone 7.
'Telecurl' Little Picture. Curly leaves and corkscrew stems. Zone 8.
'Tres Coupe' dense bushy habit with short stems. Zone 7.
Other Information:
Most ivy have five lobed, dark evergreen leaves and a rigid trunk. Glossy,
sometimes leathery foliage, younger leaves are very dark green with
contrasting light veins, while older leaves are lighter with less prominent
veins. Juvenile (smaller, lobed leaves) and mature growth (broad ovate
leaves) are distinct in other ways, and it is important to pinch out mature
leaves to keep growth uniform.
As a natural understory plant, it can be grown out doors or indoors, as it tolerates low light conditions well.
Hardiness: Zone 4 to 8 with winter protection.
Light: Partial shade ideally. Can thrive in full sunlight to deep shade in the landscape, though leaves will show
sunburn damage in strong full sun.
Soil: Well draining, but high in organic matter.
Watering: Generously in the growing season. Never allow to completely dry out, or remain constantly boggy.
Fertilizer: Balanced fertilizer every two weeks through the growing season.
Pests and Diseases: Mites, aphids, scale/mealy bugs and leaf spot.
Repotting: Every two to three years in spring.
Pruning and Styling: Ivy tolerates severe pruning. Cut new shoots back to one or two leaf pairs as needed
through the growing season. Remove "mature" foliage. Can support some shari.
Propagation: Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Styles and Forms: Root over rock, exposed root, clump, cascade, semi-cascade work well with ivy's natural habit.
Most other styles but straight trunked form also work.
Species and Cultivars: 'Plume d'Or' little skinny leaves. Shrubby dwarf habit. Zone 7.
'Spetchley' Gnome or Minima. Tiny blackish green foliage tinged purple in winter. One of the smallest varieties.
Zone 7.
'Telecurl' Little Picture. Curly leaves and corkscrew stems. Zone 8.
'Tres Coupe' dense bushy habit with short stems. Zone 7.
Other Information:
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
