Photo: Wouterhagens at Dutch Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Climber
Irish ivy: when and how to prune
Hedera hibernica
Irish ivy is best pruned in February and September.
| Pruning months | February and September |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Outside it |
| Flowering | September–November |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and birds |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Irish ivy: when to prune it?
In February, before the nesting season, and if needed again in September, once the young birds have fledged.
Irish ivy: how to prune it?
- Cut shoots out of gutters, off roof tiles and away from windows, doors and air vents. Keep a strip of 30–50 cm clear.
- Do not rip shoots off the wall: cut them free, let them dry out and brush off the aerial roots later.
- In February, ground cover can be trimmed short with hedge shears or a mower on its highest setting.
- At the top, leave the bushy flowering shoots wherever possible: that is where the flowers and berries come.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: February and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- The pruning months fall outside the nesting season (15 March–15 August), so you won’t disturb nesting birds.
- Irish ivy flowers in September–November, when it attracts bees.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
- Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.
Caution: Wear gloves and long sleeves: the sap can irritate the skin. Ivy is a favourite nesting site, so do not prune during the nesting season. Irish ivy is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.