About three months ago, I planted some ivy in my yard. Why haven't I seen much growth since?

Question

It's planted beneath a crab apple tree, in the soil. (Does it require much sun? And would composted soil do the trick?)

Answer 1

be patient.  first year sleeps, second year creeps, third year leaps

Answer 2

Is it Boston or English ivy?  Perhaps neither?  I took cuttings from one long piece and got about ten starts and put them directly into the ground because the original plant was growing over pea gravel and already had roots.  The ones in the shade are all fine without watering however we've had a lot of rain this year.  They've not gotten any new growth on them but they are still a deep green which tells me they are fine. The starts I planted in the sun get watered about every other day and have new growth on them after two months.  I'd suggest watering them heavily until you start to see new growth.  

Answer 3

The use of mulch, timed released fertilizer,and  sufficient water will all help the ivy become established.

remember with perennials:

the first year they sleep, the second year they creep, the third year they leap.

in other words you won't really see the true potential of the ivy until it has been in place for a couple of years because it is establishing its root system and storing energy for basic survival

Answer 4

Hmmm, maybe it has too much sun?? Ivy is an easy plant to grow. Ivy does not like direct sun light! It will do best in indirect sunlight or filtered sunlight. Ivy likes cool temperatures. My mom planted Ivy on a lattes on our pond, but it only grows once a year, in the fall through spring. The reason is, it's because it's cooler and not soo much harsh sun light. Our Ivy never stays in the summer, it always dies off, but grows back in fall/winter and spring.  One thing to know, this type of plant always does great for growth in the home.

How did you plant the ivy? From seeds or transported cut branches???

If it is transported into the soil, you will have wanted the roots to be a couple of inches clear into the ground without leaves. Keep the soil damp. Either way, check out where the sun light hits during the day where you planted the ivy. If you find it's always in the sun, you may want to move the seeds some where else.

I hope I helped!