Hedera Helix--Ivy

[fredtruck]

I got this hedera helix as a standard greenhouse starter, in 2001 in March.



I cut back the growth several times a year, when it seems to be getting out of hand. It started out as a triple trunk tree, but one trunk died early on. It now has a very thick trunk that has tremendous taper. It also is developing some nice movement.

 

[Jester217300]

That's awesome, Fred, I love it. Has the trunk thickened much in your care? Or is it close to the same size as when you bought it?

 

[fredtruck]

The trunk was about .25" when I started this project, and that was with 3 trunks. They were just strings. The trick is to take an ivy bonsai seriously enough to get it past the first few years.

 

[Jester217300]

That's great! Gives me hope for the one I have with a 0.5" trunk

 

[MidMichBonsai]

Very cool Fred. Unique material that has been handled well. You should be proud!

 

[Nybonsai12]

Wow, bet most wouldn't have the foresight for this! really interesting tree. You've obviously brought out the best in the material since 2001, nice work as always from you

 

[GrimLore]

Who would have ever That is truly unique! Now I have to avoid looking at it when the Wife is around Nice one!

Grimmy

 

[fredtruck]

The trunk has continued to develop on this ivy bonsai, but now some of the branches have become comparatively heavy. I repotted this bonsai this morning, and used this Korean mirror-shaped pot my son gave me about 10 years ago. I think the pot is a good match for the ivy.

 

[jeremy_norbury]

Kept pot for 10 years before using - sounds about right.

Lovely Ivy - one of the best I've seen.

 

[coppice]

I talk these up. Too few take the time to keep them in shape. Nice tree.

 

[petegreg]

Kept pot for 10 years before using - sounds about right.

Lovely Ivy - one of the best I've seen.

Yeah, it takes time. Little jewel.

 

[Zach Smith]

The trunk has continued to develop on this ivy bonsai, but now some of the branches have become comparatively heavy. I repotted this bonsai this morning, and used this Korean mirror-shaped pot my son gave me about 10 years ago. I think the pot is a good match for the ivy.

Very nice work, Fred!

 

[mcpesq817]

That's a really great tree Fred, wow. Do you mind me asking how tall it is? I think this is the ivy i have growing wild in my neighbors' yards which ends up growing in mine. I complain about them, but I might have to start some myself. Of all things, they also had porcelain berry vines, of which I dug up 4 last summer.

 

[fredtruck]

>>Do you mind me asking how tall it is?

From the rim of the container, the ivy is exactly 12" tall.

 

[Stickroot]

I have this same ivy planted all over my yard, you can see it on the two oaks in this pic, planted 17 years ago and has taken over.

 

[sorce]

Really pretty pot!

Works!

Sorce

 

[rockm]

"English Ivy" is an invasive pest in these parts. It is almost as bad as Japanese honeysuckle. I've been looking for one with a nice trunk like Fred's tree has. Not that easy to find one with any character or substance, like this one. Good job!

 

[Flounder61]

Fredtruck: So you started w/a thin ivy, and you just keep cutting back the growth? I have 2 going.....any tips?????

 

[fredtruck]

Well...I didn't start out with a specific plan. I just assessed the tree as it went along, and worked with what I had at the time. That was possible because I grew the tree from 3 cuttings that fused. It would have been different if I had begun with a giant ivy plant which I then cut back.

 

[just.wing.it]

Still with us?