Where to Buy Boston Ivy – A Complete Guide

Boston ivy also known as Japanese ivy is one of the most popular climbing vines for home gardens. With its gorgeous fall foliage and ability to cling to surfaces, Boston ivy is an excellent choice to cover walls, fences, arbors, and more. But where exactly can you buy this versatile vine? Here is a complete guide on where to find Boston ivy for your landscape.

Online Retailers

One of the easiest ways to buy Boston ivy is from an online plant retailer Buying plants online provides access to a huge selection of plants and cultivars that may not be available locally Here are some top online sellers of Boston ivy

• Monrovia – This major grower sells the cultivar Boston Ivy ‘Veitchii’ in trellis-ready 1 gallon pots on their website. Monrovia’s plants are grown in their nurseries and shipped at the optimal time for planting.

• Etsy – Many Etsy shops sell Boston ivy as bare root plants or cuttings for propagation. Etsy is a good option for finding more unusual cultivars not widely available. Some shops also sell instant live wall panels with Boston ivy already growing on them.

• Amazon – Search Amazon for Boston ivy to find bare root plants and cuttings from various third-party sellers. Reviews can help determine which sellers provide the healthiest plants.

• Online nurseries – Reputable online nurseries like Nature Hills Nursery, Brighter Blooms, and Spring Hill Nursery sell Boston ivy plants online and ship at proper planting times across the U.S.

When buying plants online, be sure to check shipping dates for your growing zone and have plans to plant the vines right away after they arrive.

Local Nurseries

Visiting local nurseries is another great option for finding Boston ivy. Benefits of buying plants in-person include:

• Seeing the health and condition of plants before purchasing

• Getting expert advice on selecting, planting, and caring for vines

• Avoiding shipping damage and delays

• Supporting local businesses and growers

Call ahead to confirm your local nurseries have Boston ivy in stock and check when new shipments arrive. Some top retailers to check include:

• Independent garden centers – Local nurseries often have the best selection of plants for your specific growing area. Ask about cultivars suited to your climate.

• Home improvement stores – Stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and IKEA carry a limited selection of common houseplants and landscape plants, including Boston ivy.

• Farmers markets – Some farmers markets allow local nurseries to sell live plants. Check for Boston ivy varieties bred for your region.

• Big box stores – Large chains like Walmart, Target, and Costco may carry Boston ivy seasonally alongside outdoor plants and landscaping materials.

Mail Order Nurseries

For the widest selection of Boston ivy cultivars, consider mail order nurseries that ship live plants nationwide. Reputable mail order nurseries to look for include:

• Bluestone Perennials – Offers the variegated ‘Gold Child’ and purple-leaved ‘Purpurea’ Boston ivy varieties.

• White Flower Farm – Sells green-leafed ‘True Love’ and tricolor variegated ‘Gold Tips’ cultivars.

• Nature Hills Nursery – Carries the hardy Russian Boston ivy and other variegated varieties.

• Van Meuwen – Sells hardy Dutch-grown Boston ivy plants.

• Willoway Nurseries – Specializes in vines including unusual Boston ivy cultivars.

• Garden Goods Direct – Offers the fast-growing ‘Inconspicua’ and hardy Russian Boston ivy varieties.

The advantage of mail order nurseries is the wide selection. However, order early to get desired planting times, and be aware of shipping restrictions to some states.

Specialty Vines Retailers

If you’re looking for something specific, check vendors that specialize in unique and rare vines. Options include:

• Logee’s Plants – Carries unusual vines and has a large selection of variegated and purple-leafed Boston ivy cultivars.

• Glasshouse Works – Sells hard-to-find vines, including dwarf and golden-leafed Boston ivy varieties.

• Annie’s Annuals and Perennials – Specializes in unique plants like the shimmery leafed ‘Glitter’ Boston Ivy.

• Vines and Climbers – Has a huge selection of Boston ivy varieties from specialty growers across the U.S. and Europe.

• Rare Vines – Lives up to its name with rare finds like the cutleaf Boston ivy ‘Shinobu’ and ‘Malaguti’.

These specialty retailers are great for finding one-of-a-kind additions but may have limited inventory.

Other Places to Find Boston Ivy

If you don’t need a large quantity of plants, consider checking:

• Plant swaps – Trade plants with other gardeners at plant exchanges and swaps.

• Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace – Buy vines from local sellers in your area.

• Estate sales – Established Boston ivy plants are sometimes available from homes being sold.

• Friends/neighbors – Ask if anyone has vines they can divide and share cuttings from.

These are great options for getting free or low-cost plants. Just be sure to inspect carefully for pests and disease before bringing vines home.

When to Buy Boston Ivy

Ideally, purchase Boston ivy in spring once the danger of frost has passed or in fall about 6-8 weeks before your first expected frost. Spring and fall give the vines time to establish roots before heat, cold, or drought stresses them. If buying mail order, check the retailer’s planting guide and recommended shipping dates.

With proper care, Boston ivy is hardy in zones 4-10 and adapts well to most conditions. This gorgeous vine provides great vertical interest for gardens when given support to climb. Now that you know where to find it, you can add this versatile climber to your outdoor space.