Where there is a need for a climbing vine that clings to almost anything and tolerates shady conditions as well as sun, few plants are as suitable as Boston ivy. This is the same plant that gives Ivy League universities their nickname, from the lush greenery that climbs their storied walls. In some areas, Boston ivy also makes an easy-care ground cover plant.
This deciduous perennial woody vine is remarkably easy to grow, but you will probably need to periodically prune it to keep it in check. Though not as problematic as English ivy, Boston ivy can damage wood siding, gutters, and even roofing if it is left unsupervised. In scattered parts of North America, this native of China and Japan is regarded as an invasive plant, and growing it is discouraged. But where suitable, Boston ivy is always a better choice than English ivy.
Boston ivy vines not only lend greenery through the summer, but they also provide fall color. In spring, the new leaves of Boston ivy are reddish. The leaves typically turn green in summer before reverting to a reddish color in fall. The plants produce inconspicuous greenish-white flowers from June to July, yielding clusters of dark blue berries that birds enjoy.
Boston ivy is generally planted from potted nursery starts in late spring or early summer. It is a fast-growing vine that can add 3 to 10 feet each year. Mature plants can reach 50 feet and sometimes even more. Growing Boston ivy plants up garden arbors, pergolas, and fences are all sound practices. You can grow them on a trellis, as well, especially if you need a privacy screen in summer for a specific area of the yard.
The oxalates in the berries of Boston ivy, which are toxic to humans can also be toxic to pets.
Boston ivy is a popular climbing vine that is commonly used to cover brick walls, trellises, and other structures. With its gorgeous green foliage that changes to bright red in the fall, it’s easy to see why many gardeners want more of this classic vine. Luckily, propagating boston ivy from cuttings is an easy process that anyone can do. In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully propagate boston ivy at home.
Why Propagate Boston Ivy?
There are a few great reasons to propagate your own boston ivy plants
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Save Money – Purchasing plants from a nursery can get expensive. Propagating from an existing vine allows you to get more plants for free.
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Control the Growth – Propagating gives you full control over where the ivy grows rather than allowing it to spread out of control.
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Share with Friends – Once your cuttings are established, you can give the extras away as gifts for fellow gardeners
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Fill Your Landscape – A single boston ivy plant can quickly become dozens more with propagation. It’s an easy way to fill vertical spaces, fences, arbors, etc.
When to Take Boston Ivy Cuttings
For the best chance of success, take your boston ivy cuttings in spring or early summer when the plants are actively growing. This gives the cutting plenty of time to form roots before cold weather arrives. Avoid taking cuttings in late summer/fall when growth has slowed.
The ideal cuttings will be taken from the soft, new growth rather than older, woody stems. Look for shoots that are at least 4-6 inches long with several leaf nodes along the stem.
Gather Your Propagation Supplies
Propagating boston ivy is simple but there are a few supplies you’ll need to get started:
- Clean, sharp shears or knife – Dip in alcohol to sterilize
- Clear jar or vase filled with room temperature water
- Small pots or trays filled with propagation or potting mix
- Rooting hormone powder (optional but speeds up rooting)
- Clear plastic bags
Optional: heating pad, mist bottle
How to Propagate Boston Ivy in Water
Propagating in water is a simple way to get your boston ivy cuttings to root. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Use sharp, clean shears to cut a 4-6 inch stem right below a leaf node.
- Remove all leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
- Place the bare end of the cutting in a jar filled with room temperature water.
- Place the jar in a bright spot out of direct sunlight.
- Change the water every 2-3 days to provide fresh nutrients.
- Roots will begin to form within 2-3 weeks. Monitor for healthy root growth.
- Once the roots are 1-2 inches long, plant the cutting in moist potting mix.
Keeping the water clean and refreshed is crucial to prevent rotting. You should see root initials forming within a few weeks.
How to Propagate Boston Ivy in Soil
You can also skip the water method and root your boston ivy cuttings directly in soil or potting mix.
- Take a 4-6 inch stem cutting below a leaf node and remove lower leaves.
- Dip the end in rooting hormone powder (optional).
- Poke a hole in the soilless mix with a pencil and insert the cutting. Firm mix around stem.
- Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to retain moisture.
- Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
- Once new growth appears, remove the bag.
- Transplant into a pot or the ground once well-rooted.
Rooting in soil takes a bit longer but avoids any rot issues that can happen in water. Keep the soil moist until the cutting is well-established.
Caring for Rooted Boston Ivy Cuttings
Once your boston ivy cuttings have developed a robust root system, they can be repotted or transplanted around your yard. Here are a few tips for caring for newly propagated ivy:
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Acclimate the plant gradually before transplanting. Start by placing it outdoors in partial shade for a few hours at a time.
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Transplant into well-draining soil enriched with compost. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
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Water thoroughly after transplanting and continue to water when the top 1-2 inches become dry. Provide 1-2 inches of water per week.
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situate in an area with partial sun to full shade. Boston ivy thrives in bright light but avoid hot, direct afternoon sun.
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Stake or trellis the vines to encourage upward climbing growth. Prune back long tendrils.
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Fertilize monthly with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer to support establishment.
With the proper care, your propagated boston ivy cuttings will flourish into lush, green vines in no time at all! Be patient, keep them moist, and provide bright indirect light for the best results.
Common Propagation Problems and Solutions
While propagating boston ivy is generally straightforward, you may run into a few issues along the way. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
Rotting Stems
Causes – Keeping cuttings too wet, unhealthy cuttings, dirty water
Solutions – Use clean shears, change water frequently, allow soil to dry out between watering
Slow Growth
Causes – Insufficient light, improper planting depth, inadequate moisture, low temps
Solutions – Increase light exposure, ensure planted at proper depth, maintain even moisture, provide warmth
Leaf Drop
Causes – Shock from transplanting, underwatering, pests/disease
Solutions – Acclimate plant gradually before transplanting, improve watering consistency, treat pests and disease
No Root Development
Causes – Using old, woody cuttings. Too cool temps, dry soil
Solutions – Take cuttings from new growth, provide warmth, keep soil evenly moist
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of year is best for taking boston ivy cuttings?
The best time is spring and early summer when the vines are actively growing. Growth slows in late summer and fall.
How long do boston ivy cuttings take to root?
Cuttings rooted in water may show roots in 2-4 weeks. Rooting directly in soil takes 4-8 weeks. Use rooting hormone to speed it up.
Should I use rooting hormone on boston ivy cuttings?
Rooting hormone is optional but helps promote faster root growth. Dip the cut end in the powder before planting.
How do I care for rooted boston ivy cuttings?
Once rooted, acclimate the plant gradually before transplanting into the garden. Plant in well-draining soil in partial to full shade. Stake or trellis vines and water when dry.
What causes propagated ivy vines to die?
Overwatering and soggy soil are common causes of death in ivy cuttings. Allow the soil or water to dry out between watering to prevent rot.
Enjoy an Abundance of Gorgeous Boston Ivy
Temperature and Humidity
Boston ivy generally does well in the temperatures common to its hardiness zone range—zones 4 to 8. Plants in exposed locations can sometimes be permanently damaged if winter temperatures fall below minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit. New growth can sometimes be damaged by late spring frosts, but the plant usually recovers quickly.
Boston Ivy Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing Boston ivy:
- Can be grown in partial shade to full sun.
- Thrives in well-drained, loamy soil.
- Water deeply during the first growing season before switching to weekly.
- Is a true climber and can attach to masonry and wooden surfaces or spread out horizontally to function as a ground cover.
- Plant roots 1 foot from the wall, and allow 18 to 24 inches between plants when planting for wall coverage.
- Plant Boston ivy at least 15 feet from any structure if you do not want it to climb walls.