When English Ivy Dies Over Winter: Causes and Solutions

English ivy (Hedera helix) is a popular landscaping plant known for its evergreen leaves and vining growth habit. However, even this hardy plant can have problems in the winter. If you see that parts of your English ivy have died, it can be scary and make you wonder what happened.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons English ivy dies back in winter and what you can do to prevent further dieback and revive the plant.

Why Does English ivy Die Over Winter?

There are a few key reasons English ivy may suffer dieback over the winter

Extreme Cold

English ivy is winter hardy in USDA zones 5-9, meaning it can withstand minimum winter temperatures down to -10 to -20°F typically. However, an unusually frigid winter can damage the plant, especially if there is no insulating snow cover. Prolonged freeze and thaw cycles can also stress English ivy. Dieback may not be noticeable until new growth emerges in spring.

Wet Conditions

Too much moisture around the roots and crown of English ivy can lead to root rot and crown rot diseases. These fungal diseases thrive in cool, wet conditions. Excessive winter rain, snowmelt, or poorly draining sites make the plant more prone to these rots. Again, symptoms may not appear until spring.

Desiccation

But on the other hand, winters that are too dry can kill evergreen leaves. English ivy needs at least some moisture over winter. Places with a lot of wind or direct sunlight may dry out the plant.

Insufficient Light

English ivy tolerates shade but still requires some sunlight to remain healthy. Sections in dense shade may gradually thin out and decline over time. The lack of light becomes more problematic in winter when days are short.

Age

As English ivy matures over many years, the older central stems can start to die out. This natural decline is more noticeable after the stresses of winter. The plant often continues growing along the periphery.

Pest Damage

Certain pests are active over the winter and can damage English ivy. For instance, voles may gnaw on stems and roots. Scale insects can extract plant fluids. Symptoms often worsen by spring.

Reviving English Ivy After Winter Dieback

If your English ivy has suffered dieback over winter but still shows signs of life, you can often rejuvenate it with proper care:

• Cut away all dead stems and foliage to improve appearance and reduce disease risk. Make clean cuts at the base of dead growth.

• Carefully inspect the remaining plant and roots for signs of rot or pest damage. Remove any additional dead or diseased tissue.

• Early in the spring, use a balanced fertilizer to give plants important nutrients and help them grow. Avoid excess nitrogen.

• Improve drainage in poorly draining sites. Consider installing drainage lines or planting on a slope rather than low spot.

• Put 2 to 4 inches of mulch around the plant to keep the soil warm and moist and to insulate the roots.

• Provide supplemental water during dry periods. Soak the soil thoroughly.

• If necessary, transplant sections of the ivy to protected locations with partial sun and good airflow.

• Monitor for recurrent pest problems and treat accordingly. Insecticidal soap, neem oil, and horticultural oils can control soft-bodied pests like scale. Traps, baits, and fumigation can control voles. Always follow label directions.

With timely care, the undamaged sections of English ivy should fill back in during the growing season. Focus on improving site conditions to prevent repeat dieback next winter.

Preventing Winter Dieback of English Ivy

While occasional minor winter dieback of English ivy is normal, you can take proactive steps to avoid significant damage:

• Select cold hardy cultivars like ‘Baltica’, ‘Pittsburgh’, and ‘Star’. They can withstand colder winter temperatures.

• Plant in a site with southern exposure or protection from harsh wind. This prevents desiccation.

• Provide adequate sun to part sun exposure. At least 4 hours of sun per day is ideal.

• Improve drainage in heavy clay soils by amending with compost. Plant on slopes or raised beds.

• Mulch around the plant to insulate roots from temperature extremes. Replenish mulch each fall.

• Water thoroughly before winter to keep plant hydrated. Additional winter watering may be needed during warm, dry spells.

• Monitor for pest problems like scale, mealybugs, and voles. Treat promptly before extensive damage occurs.

• Prune strategically before winter to remove excessive shade-producing growth. Promote good air circulation.

• Cover plants with fabric row cover, leaves, or pine boughs during extreme cold snaps below its hardiness range.

When to Remove Dead English Ivy Plants

If the majority of an English ivy plant has died, it is often better to fully remove it and replant instead of attempting to revive it. Indications it may be time to remove English ivy include:

• More than 50% of the plant appears dead or declining.

• The main stems near the base are shriveled and collapsed.

• No new growth emerges after 2-3 months into spring.

• The roots are rotted or excessively damaged by pests.

• The plant shows repeated severe dieback over multiple years.

• The ivy shows signs of invasive spread impacting other landscape plants or becoming a maintenance nuisance.

To remove dead English ivy, use loppers or a saw to cut away the dead growth at ground level. Carefully dig out the root system, being sure to remove all pieces which could resprout. Dispose of the dead plant matter in the trash or by burning.

For a fresh start, consider planting a new English ivy in a better location, or choose a different winter hardy groundcover. Sweet woodruff, wintercreeper euonymus, periwinkle, or evergreen ferns are good alternatives for shade.

English ivy is prized for its attractive evergreen foliage that remains through winter. However, like any plant, it can struggle with harsh winter conditions in certain situations. Factors like extreme cold, wet soil, pests, and desiccating wind can lead to dieback. With proper siting and care, you can help English ivy survive and thrive through winter. Monitor the plant vigilantly and provide supplemental care as needed. Address any underlying issues that contributed to winter decline. With early intervention, English ivy can often rebound from minor to moderate dieback.