When Does Ivy Bloom? Detailed Guide to Cutting Propagation and Medicinal Value

Ivy is a perennial evergreen climbing shrub of the genus Hedera in the Araliaceae family. Its leaves are beautiful and it stays green all year round, and it is often used for vertical greening in various places in the south. So, when does ivy generally bloom? How do you propagate it by cuttings? What medicinal value does it have?

I. When does ivy bloom?

The flowering period of ivy is from September to November, and the fruiting period is from March to May of the following year. Ivy is mostly planted beside rockeries and at the base of walls, letting it naturally attach and grow vertically or as ground cover, achieving the effect of decorating and beautifying the environment. When potted, small and medium pots are mainly used, and various shapes can be created for indoor display.

II. How do you propagate ivy by cuttings?

The stems and vines of ivy root easily, so cutting propagation is usually used. Under greenhouse cultivation conditions, cuttings can be taken throughout the year. For home propagation, it is generally best to take cuttings in spring from April to May and in autumn from August to September.

When taking cuttings, use loose, well-aerated, well-drained sandy soil as the substrate. For hardwood cuttings in spring, cut vigorous woody branches from the plant into 15-20 cm long cuttings, leaving 2-3 leaves at the upper end. After cutting, keep the soil moist and place under side-shade conditions, and they will root quickly. For softwood cuttings in autumn, use semi-woody young branches, cut into 15-20 cm long cuttings containing 3-4 nodes with aerial roots. After cutting, provide shade and keep the soil moist frequently. Generally, they will root and survive 20-30 days after cutting.

III. What medicinal value does ivy have?

1. To treat joint aches: 10 grams of ivy, decocted with half wine and half water, and at the same time, use an appropriate amount of ivy, decoct in water to wash the affected area.

2. To treat postpartum wind-induced headache: 10 grams of ivy, stir-fried with yellow wine, add 7 red dates, decoct in water, and take after meals.

3. To treat traumatic injuries: 60 grams of ivy, soaked in 250 grams of white liquor, taken after 7-10 days, 10-20 milliliters each time, 3 times a day, or grind into fine powder and apply to the affected area with wine.

4. To treat boils and swellings: 60 grams of fresh ivy, decocted in water and taken orally, and separately use an appropriate amount of fresh ivy, pound it into a paste, add a little sugar and spirits, and apply externally to the affected area.