How does ivy stick to the wall anyway?

Q: Sorry to ask a dumb question, but I just bought a couple of small-leafed English ivies. I was only able to get two plants, but each has several long runners that I hope will grow up and across the wall of our brick house.

The question is: Do I have to 'train' the runners to attach?
Or do they attach automatically without your help and in a manner that just works out? I see how naturally ivy covered walls seem to have gotten that way, but I just can't believe these little guys will know what to do. What if they attach in a way I really didn't want them to? How long before they stick to anything? What should I expect to see by the end of the Chicago summer (if I water it enough and offer it some shade now and then)?

A: Your question is a good one and I am happy to try and give you a good answer.

First of all, almost all English Ivy will climb a brick wall if given a chance. As the ivy grows and sends out new shoots these shoots will develop aerial roots that will attach themselves to the brick. The stem that already exists will not develop these roots and attach but any new growth will.

Generally, when you buy the ivy and plant it you should cut back the runners to encourage new shoots to start. The best recommendation to take the two little runners and stretch them out along the soil surface at the base of the wall and cut off the very tip of the long runner. By laying the long runner along the soil at the base of the wall, the ivy will send out new shoots that will be against the wall and growing upward and at the same time, every place it sends out a shoot it will also root along into the soil. Many types of ivy will send out new shoots at every spot (node) where there is a leaf and it can send out roots at the same time. In most cases, ivy would rather climb than run along the ground so it should start up the wall as soon as it gets acclimated and starts to grow. Do make sure the original ivy runners are touching the soil so that it will root downward into the soil. You may want to pin them down with a hairpin or U shaped wire. Since you only have two runners lead them in opposite directions to spread the ivy as far as possible.

Now the really good question is when will all this start and how long will it take. Since I do not know the specific ivy you have nor any specifics about the ivy location (sun exposure, wind exposure etc) I would have to say you may not see much growth up the wall this season but do not get discouraged as the first year the plant will concentrate on establishing it's roots. Make sure to keep the ivy watered regularly. It should not be soggy wet all the time but you do not want it to get too dry between waterings. I would suggest some mild solution of fertilizer (maybe 1/3 strength) each time you water until about the middle of August.

It may take as many as three years to see any real progress depending on the Ivy and your weather and your maintenance. When it does take off it will be surprising how much it can grow in one season. The Ivy Society has a saying that will help you. "The first year it sleeps, the second year it creeps and the third year it leaps."

Since you are in the Chicago area I would also recommend some winter protection like a good mulch or even covering the plant with a landscape cloth during the harshest part of the winter. Also, it would be a good idea to shade it from the hottest part of the day at least until the new little plants get acclimated to the sun. If possible, plant the ivy in a shady area and let it grow out to the more sunny areas on its own. A little TLC the first two or three years will give your new ivy a good start and after that it should be ready to thrive.