Boston Ivy grow on wire/twine?

brianlmason

I am trying to create a vine "wall" and was hoping to use Boston Ivy since it is less damaging than some other types of ivy (e.g English Ivy) if it runs amok and gets on the house.  

I was wondering if I built a ladder out of twine, would the Boston ivy climb it?

I know Boston ivy uses "sticky feet" to climb so I am wondering if it would be able to latch on to twine?  Can it also wrap around to climb?

Is there another climbing vine that uses tendrils that will fill in as well as Boston Ivy that may have better luck climbing the twine?  I thought about using Clematis but wasn't sure how well it would create privacy.

Fairygirl

In a word - no. Far too vigorous and heavy. It's used for covering buildings!

If you're looking for a screen type of arrangement, and I'm not sure if that's what you're trying to do, you'd be better erecting some posts and trellis, and growing something less substantial - ivy, clematis or roses - which you can prune and contain more readily. It would still have to be a sturdy structure.

If it's to go on a wall - there isn't a problem growing any of them there - unless your wall's already unsound. 

Loxley

Vitis might be worth a look. Yes like Fairygirl says, your structure needs to be sturdy, e.g. some good fence posts with galvanised wire strained between them, or a trellis.

brianlmason

Thanks!  I will look for some lighter options.  I appreciate the replies and the help!  Looking into Clematis and Vitis now!