Share this article

How to Make an English Ivy Wreath

By: Amy Hannaford

●

21 September, 2017

English Ivy image by Keith Pinto from Fotolia.com

Making wreaths is usually done using flowers, but English ivy makes a lush green alternative, and using a live ivy plant makes it even more special. Using wire forms to train the ivy to climb over the form creates a work of art that is perfect for decorating your home, inside or out.

Fill a plant container with potting soil to within 2 inches of the top. The container should be large enough for the size form you are using. A well-draining soil works best for ivy plants, and the container should have drainage holes.

Place the wire form into the soil in the container a little off center. Push it down into the soil far enough that it is stable.

Making wreaths is usually done using flowers, but English ivy makes a lush green alternative, and using a live ivy plant makes it even more special.
Using wire forms to train the ivy to climb over the form creates a work of art that is perfect for decorating your home, inside or out.

Plant the ivy in the center of the container so it can be wrapped around the wire form. Tamp the soil firmly around the ivy and water well to settle the soil.

Separate the ivy vines. Then, one at a time, wrap the vines around the wire form. Secure the vines to the wire with green dental floss every few inches or so. Continue wrapping the tendrils until the form is covered with the ivy.

Water the ivy about two times a week. Water deeply until it runs out of the bottom. Feed your ivy with an all-purpose fertilizer, such as 5-5-5 every month. Water well after application.

Plant the ivy in the center of the container so it can be wrapped around the wire form.
Secure the vines to the wire with green dental floss every few inches or so.

Train the vines to grow around the wire form by checking the ivy's growth every few weeks and winding the vines as needed to stay on the form. As the ivy grows, trim the vines periodically to keep it to the shape of the form

Damage From English Ivy

Native to the Caucasus, English ivy cultivars flourish from United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 10. Leaves are a dark-to-bright green, often with silver or white variegation. Wrapped around the trunk and branches, English ivy inhibits tree leaf access to sun and moisture, killing foliage and, eventually, the undernourished tree. Rootlets seek out existing cracks and fissures, using them to enhance holding power and occasionally penetrating the interiors of buildings through them. The same strong adhesion can result in chunks of stucco being pulled away, attached to ivy vines. However, you must check with your local, regional or state environmental or conservation department for regulations governing the use of herbicides. Most common is stem-cutting. Using loppers or pruning shears, cut each vine stem to within 1 to 2 feet of the ground. Make a second cut 2 feet above the first. Deprived of sustenance, the upper vine segment will die.

Train the vines to grow around the wire form by checking the ivy's growth every few weeks and winding the vines as needed to stay on the form.
Wrapped around the trunk and branches, English ivy inhibits tree leaf access to sun and moisture, killing foliage and, eventually, the undernourished tree.