Fastest growing ivy suggestions

[alexfromnewport]

My neighbour's 'gardener' killed a bunch of ivy on their side which was growing over my garden wall, covering it beautifully. I now have about ten metres of bare breeze block wall to cover asap. I'm going to replant ivy on my side.

I need suggestions for an ivy which grows fast and is self clinging, suitable for a west facing wall. Ideally big leaved, but evergreen.

Any suggestions? Ideally one I can buy from b&q, Homebase etc.

Thanks!!

 

[ins9681303]

Hi.
Last year I used green screen ivy panels from www.mobilane.co.uk
They supply pre grown hedge panels. They are grown on a metal grid mesh a bit like you would put into concrete as re-enforcement. The ivy panels can be up to 2.2m if I remember correctly. Not cheap at about £200 a panel I think and they came with a delivery cost too but absolutely brilliant things. You basically plant them since they have a root basket and screw the metal framework to fence posts or in your case the wall.
A year later and they have really settled in, I have cut them once and it took minutes, they never really get much higher or wider since they use the metal grid as support. I am hooked, all of the time I spend cutting my other hedge and this is so easy, the days are numbered for my regular hedge!
I think there are a few suppliers but Mobilane were nice people, the panels arrived in good condition so I am happy. Try googling green screens too, this seems to be the generic name. I hope this helps!

 

[endecotp]

Go to: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/climbers

Then you could click on "plant name" and find all the ivys under Hedera. Or narrow it down using the various filters. Try narrowing it to only plants with the RHS "award of garden merit".

Unless you accidentally choose a miniature, I don't think there is a huge variation in the growth rate; if you plant them now they will grow somewhat next year but not really hide your wall, but the following year will get on with it. If speed is really important choose something that's described as "vigorous", but beware that that might also mean it will take over the garden!

The RHS site has links to mail-order suppliers. One that seems to specialise ivys is http://www.fibrex.co.uk . You could try phoning them - I bet they know what's available better than anyone! Since you need a few plants, getting them mail order is a good idea. I'd probably choose a couple of contrasting varieties and alternate them.