Im open to other vines also. Creeping Fig is clothed in rich green, ovate, heart-shaped leaves, 2 in. What about a simple panel of wood, painted to your tastes? You can cut the vine at any point with a knife or pruning shears and put it into vertical surface gaps, leaving the aerial roots in contact with the wall. "Roses.". Delivered Mondays. Plants should never be placed on wood fence or siding because the leaves will rot. three or four buds. They did well but we had a bad frost a month or so ago and now several look dead. Creeping fig is a member of the Ficus genus which includes rubber trees, towering jungle banyans, and also the familiardomesticated trees that produce edible figs. Your member profile is powered by memberstack, Gardenista: The Definitive Guide to Stylish Outdoor Spaces, Vines & Climbers: A Field Guide to Planting, Care, and Design. vine (Schizophragma hydrangeoides) and S. integrifolium flower on Choose a freestanding wall or a building made of stone, brick or concrete block. Instead, prune one stem section at a time I really like the "live wall" look. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! You can feed occasionally with diluted fertilizer, but its not a heavy feeder. The creeping figs graceful growth and trailing vines make it an attractive addition to any home. Do you eliminate those vines which are intertwined? Completely remove the leaves from the cutting. basic care: Remove dead, damaged, and diseased stems; stems that are tangled or Creeping fig Plant, Ficus pumila - Plant. You can do this on the entire joint or in small sections, for the time being, depending on how severe the joint is. in late winter or early spring to promote immature foliage form. Will Creeping Fig ruin Hardie Plank concrete siding on my house? Most Parthenocissus species, including Suggestions on how to have creeping stick and grow on a vinyl privacy fence? I have a star jasmine vine on a trellis, and it is about 11 years old. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Help! The creeping fig is an excellent choice for any gardener that has an eyesore of a wall, fence, or structure that's in need of concealing. If your climbing figs grow vertically on a wall or fence, simply keep water-filled trays next to the base of the plant. All Rights Reserved. It might well be decades! The sitemay contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. Flowers on old wood; Bougainvillea species, bougainvilleas, paper flowers. Bignonia capreolata, crossvine, quartervine, trumpet flower. Creeping fig vine, also known as fig ivy, creeping ficus and climbing fig, is a popular ground and wall cover in warmer parts of the country and a lovely houseplant in cooler areas. How to get creeping fig to attach to a wall. Prune hard to renew. I'm adding another 80' of a 6' block wall for the creeping fig to cover. Creeping fig will grow in almost any light conditions from shade to sun. plants indoors in containers where they can be propagated, How to display cutting boards on the kitchen counter, The Albuca Concordiana Plant Propagation and Care, Before build a finch birdhouse for the garden : you should to know, How to remove the bathroom vanity top without damage. All rights reserved, Delicious Fig Pudding Recipes To Try This Holiday Season, The Fig Tree: A Deciduous Tree That Is Native To The Mediterranean Region, How To Determine The Aperture Used In A Photograph, Fig In Ib The Ultimate Digital Product Development Tool, A Fig Newton Of Your Imagination: Use Your Creativity To Make Something New, The Stages Of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Of The Cervix. The climbing is swift, reaching heights of 25 to 30 feet tall and spreading 3 feet wide or further. There probably arent more than a handful of private residences in all of North America with indoor walls covered in creeping fig, so you can literally claim your wall is one in a million! it will help if it is a sunny location. Each spring, add new organic fertilizer to the soil around the plants by brushing back the mulch and scratching the fertilizer into the soil. Flowers on new growth. Winter jasmine, primrose jasmine Before planting a creeping fig, keep in mind that after it has attached to a wall, it can be exceedingly difficult to remove, and attempting to do so may cause damage to the surface to which the creeping fig has attached. Set the plant outside in the shade if the weather permits. The first step is to make sure you have enough water on hand. This is the best way to get a quick start, especially from the stems of mature plants. A typical spread is 5 to 6 feet, but it can grow to 12 feet or more. Southern Living notes that because creeping fig adheres directly to the wall's surface, it will rot wood by limiting air circulation to evaporate moisture. We have found that the best way to promote growth on a block wall is to use cement anchors and attach 2x4's to the wall then bolt wire mesh or fencing to the 2x4's. This gives the plant something to hang on and extends the life of the wall (somewhat). Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. It can be propagated from stem cuttings and does not require much water or fertilizer. I have some cross vines which I planted 1-2 years ago, along a tall chain link fence. Use the creeping fig as a foundation for other plants and allow it to be a sprawling vine. To avoid it, try to keep the soil at least somewhat moist at all times. Keep It Alive. Clematis, grape (Vitis), and passionflower (Passiflora). unless grown for fruit production. than produce leaves and flowers. Additionally, it will grow into the joints of vinyl and metal siding, and creeping figs can cause damage to painted surfaces because of the glue-like material that holds them to the building wall. Wisteria species, wisteria. Most flower without any pruningat Prune to remove weak, overgrown, or errant shoots in late vinifera 'Brandt', V. vinifera 'Purpurea', and V. coignetiae Like thetitle character in the classic thriller Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, creeping fig is both hailed as a model garden citizen and reviled as a bad-mannered thug. The rewards of caring for this lovely evergreen are lush green foliage that will give your home a sophisticated tropical vibe, You can do it if you commit to it. However, I'm in the process of removing the creeping fig that i helped attach to my wall. it will take longer and you'll need to direct it to grow over the ledge and down the wall. late winter to early spring when the vine is dormant, then cut oldest stems to The Latin specific epithet pumila means dwarf, referring to the plants little leaves. If I plant creeping fig and intertwine the existing vines through the fence, should the vines be expected to grab hold, grow, and eventually cover the fence? plants can be renewed by severe pruning, almost to the ground. Celastrus orbiculatus, oriental bittersweet, which is invasive. (For wider walls, drill a hole every 6 feet across the wall.) Fertilize it sparingly in the fall and winter. Always clean your instruments after pruning. As AfterContinue Reading. Creeping fig (Ficus pumila) can be grown both indoors and outdoors in many climates. Add a 2 in (5.1 cm) layer of mulch to the soil around the ivy. Crawling fig infestations should be treated. Select a wall that provides partial shade to full sun, observing at intervals throughout the day how much sunlight reaches it. We have a mesh net up now but it's hard to keep it close enough to the wall to really work and it completely prohibits edging. Propagation is best done in early spring. Early identification of tree disease can help prevent spread. Once vines have developed adequate roots, most just keep on growing above ground. If some leaves do turn brown, gently knock them off with a duster or a broom. We live in Texas and have a humongous, gorgeous passion vine. Here in California things like block walls get VERY hot this doesn't entice the vine to cling, also the lye in the masonry repels the roots/vine. Jasminum nudiflorum, winter jasmine. They are often used as either a ground cover or, more commonly, as a wall and fence cover. Remove errant stems, especially those growing away from the support. All clematis benefit from being pinched It is an evergreen climber native to East Asia, and grows vigorously on almost any surface, including walls, fences, tree trunks, and even concrete structures. For indoor care, keep your creeping fig's soil moist but not overly wet. Remodeling and renovation tips and ideas for projects big and small. Sr. Pruning may be necessary. Ipomoea species, cypress vine, morning glory. Because it is not wintering hardy in most of North Carolina and extreme cold can kill the vine to the ground, they frequently plant it as an annual groundcover, houseplant, or greenhouse plant. Your resource for finding the best storage and home organization solutions for every room in the house. Trying to choose the rightvine or climber for your garden? Creeping fig is easily propagated from plant divisions. For instance, you can attach eyehooks in the wall using masonry shields. traditionally are pruned in late winter. For the limbs that were not attaching I taped them to the wall at the very tip of the limb with Gorilla Tape. When planted outdoors in wet, well-drained soil, the plant prefers partial shade but will tolerate full sun. Yes, I recently cut mine back to paint part of the kitchen. Many vines just don't encourages new growth. All rights reserved. Do this to as many vines as you want. It is an excellent ground cover and vine for walls and fences that has grown to a height of 3 feet and is a shrub or tree. Head back lateral shoots, remove dead stems, Before watering, insert your index finger into the soil. Beyond those cuts, the general goal when pruning The climbing fig, Ficus pumila, is a robust, fast-growing evergreen vine that can reach 15 feet or more. They need to be pollinated by a specific insect, a tiny wasp called Blastophaga pumiliae, and you certainly wont have any in your home. divided the genus into three groups. Native wisterias, including American spring, before new growth begins. Vines and climbers act like Wite-Out in a garden. According to the Sunset website, some walls can be drilled through the bricks with ease, while others require a bit more effort. The plant is quite large with lovely blooms, but I feel it is time for a pruning. The Creeping Figs propagation is important. You should receive an email with your password reset code - please enter it below, along with your new password. Because of the risk of harm, avoid growing the vine on scaffolding or trellises, as well as over indoor pedestrian pathways. I have about 150' of a 6' block wall covered in creeping fig. Save severe or renewal pruning for late winter to I have an ugly midcentury modern decorative cinder block wall that someone put in front of my Med Miami Beach home. Cut cleanly and don't leave a stub, which is an invitation to bugs and To avoid spreading the disease, all instruments should be cleaned and disinfected before working on a healthy tree. To encourage flowering, head back stems after blooms have The Market at DelVal has been under management by Fleming Family Farms since 2008. Stay current with the latest posts from Remodelista each day in their entirety. vines is to keep them healthy, vigorous, and productive, and to help them When grown indoors, plants should be in a soil-based potting mix that receives strong indirect light or partial shade and is protected from the afternoon sun. Roots can grow into cracked mortar and break it apart. know when to quitor in which direction to grow. The creeping fig (Ficus pumila) is a fast-growing, evergreen vine that can be used as a ground cover or climbing plant. Although it is aggressive in growth, the California Invasive Plant Council does not consider it invasive. Finally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various vines and climbers with our Vines & Climbers: A Field Guide. Delivered Saturdays. For extra interest, you can add a pole, a wall or even a topiary form to your creeping fig houseplant container. Additionally, we discovered it can grow as a houseplant. Also, when is the best time to trim my passion flower? flower. The creeping fig will grow down as well as up, so it is a good choice for covering a wall or trellis. vine you're growing. One variety, Ficus pumila var. Access to all posts published in the past year, Access 10 archived posts (older than one year) per month on each site, Use of our internal bookmark tool, so you can save products, posts, and other pages for quick reference, Access to our community bulletin board so you can ask and answer design-related questions, Unlimited access to the Product Catalogs, Design Travel sources, and Architect & Designer Directory listings, Choose from our ten newsletters to keep up with the latest on the sites, Unrestricted access to 30,000+ archived posts, Annual subscribers pay 50% off the monthly subscription price of $9.99, Receive any of the newsletters, including the the full-text daily Remodelista and Gardenista newsletters. The downside to this is damage to the wall, but hooks make it easy to direct growth. Creeping fig is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 11 and though it is an aggressive grower, it is not considered invasive according to the California Invasive Plant Council. I feel it is a better choice than many others because of its denser growth habit and natural tendency to branch freely. The first year the growth was slow and the creepers were not attaching to the wall. What is the best way to care for a creeping fig? Flowers on new wood. As the common name, "creeping fig" indicates, the plant has a creeping/vining habit and is often used in gardens and landscapes where it covers the ground and climbs up trees and walls. To build a creeping fig wall, you must only use a stone or concrete structure with enough sun to allow it to grow. If you discover any cracks, chips, or crumbling surfaces in the mortar, you can repair them by pouring a tiny amount of pre-mixed joint compound into the region and spreading it with a trowel over the rest of the mortar joint. The branch can reach several inches in diameter and will actually set a "fig" type of fruit. Train a stem vertically against the wall, with side branches trained vertically or away from the wall. Q. Creeping fig plant (Ficus pumila) makes a wonderful addition to the home and the garden. Apply a fresh layer of mulch. Share this: Twitter; Facebook; $7.95. Hydrangea petiolaris, climbing hydrangea. When planted in shady or partial shade, growing figs in shady or partially shade environments and well-draining soils is a hardy, deciduous tree. It's also fun to watch it proliferate on the structure during this time. It would cling to that! Its now in its third year of growth in a large tub with potting mix and plenty of one-inch holes for root ventilation, and it is healthy. There are two types of hardy cacti: Creeping fig and Mojave cacti. The filament is strung between two screwa and then one pokes the vine between the filament and the cinder block. So my wooden fence shouldn't last more than 5-6 yrs before a good wind takes it down. One question: I see 2 ways of reference for sweet autumn clematis. I would appreciate any help. Q. If allowed to grow up a wall, it can grow up to 20 feet (6 m.) tall. At any rate, creeping figs grown indoors, where the light levels are usually quite low, rarely produces mature branches. Train a stem vertically against the wall, with side branches trained vertically or away from the wall. Flowers throughout the However, you may simply grow the Creeping Fig using stem cuttings. My only issue is Im a renter! Use the creeping fig as a foundation for other plants and allow it to be a sprawling vine. flowers. flower in spring on old wood, but postpone pruning until late winter or early Thanks. discourage underground runners. They may need severe heading back to promote foliage near on both old and new wood, lightly in late winter when the vine is dormant. Sourcebook for Cultivated Living, sister site to @remodelistaTag us using #gardenista . Group Three, the late-flowering clematis, which bloom on new wood, Queen of Vines.". and prune to shape after flowering ends. The vine is 'eating' the fence and promoting deterioration. If the soils surface is dry, it should be watered. I am hoping to grow creeping fig on a 15ft wall in my very sunny apartment. According to the Missouri Botanical Gardens entry about this plant, Clematis paniculata is sometimes labeled as C. paniculata, although technically C. paniculata is a separate species native to New Zealand.. Because loose mortar and cracked stucco can be loosened when a vine needs to be yanked down, it is not a good idea to plant on walls or fences with loose mortar or cracked stucco. Any houseplant potting mix ought to do. also allows light and air to reach the plant's interior. control growth and encourage branching. However, it requires a temperature of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit to flourish. Actually, I also have another creeping fig climbing up the inside walls of my fireplace but thats another story. little suction cups that grab onto walls and other surfaces. Allow the plant to self-adhere to the wall. I planted several creeping fig plants last spring/summer to cover a sloped area by our garage. I waited for the second year thinking that the "First Year It Sleeps, Second Year It Creeps" thing was the cause. It will take temperatures nearly down to freezing if necessary but that's not likely to be the case in an indoor situation. Therefore in temperate regions it is often seen as a houseplant. During the winter, you may need to supply your creeping fig plant with more humidity. Gelsemium sempervirens, Carolina jessamine, evening trumpet Flowers on old wood. to the ground in late winter to early spring in zones where they are I have creeping fig planted in the ground right up against the foundation of my home and growing up a block foundation and a brick wall here in mid-Georgia. Flowers on If you receive less than 2 inches of rainfall on a given week, you should water your plant. If you do not receive this amount of rainfall in a week, you will need to supplement with the hose. early spring. Try scrubbing the surface with a mixture of TSP and water. If you've purchased a container-grown vinestandard nursery fare these scabbard. magnolia vine (S. chinensis) and bay star vine (S. coccinea), It has covered the trellis and the vines/leaves are quite thick. Also, woody vines tend to flower more generously on shoots that are But heading back, which will encourage new growth, may be a good idea if Is it not a solid surface? Starting from scratch or upgrading an outdoor space? At the top of the wall is soil- hence the wall is holding up the dirt behind it. If you spot signs on a tree, act quickly. When you smother the fig, it can survive short periods of frost but defoliates and stops growing. I would recommend planting a scarlet runner bean vinethey grow like crazy and love to cover things. Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, Ideas for a cinderblock wall on basement walkout. Care for creeping figs is simple, regardless of whether we grow them indoors or outdoors. Most are of these sold as hanging basket plants and normally allowed to drip downwards from their pots, but in the wild, they usually grow upwards, clinging to tree trunks or rocks or buildings. on outdoor walls. Attach a bracket to the wall and the creeping fig and other vines stems to it. Our Friday guides to making each plant look its best in your garden. Window screen might be fine enough, but Ive never seen how it reacts when it reaches a screen. Diana K. Williams is a certified Master Gardener, has more than a decade of experience as an environmental scientist, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and environmental studies from the Ohio Northern University. Pinch stem It is growing vigorously now but not kudzu-like -- I'm in L.A. so it gets limited water. Dutchman's pipe flowers on old wood, but it is grown for its foliage and can be 5 inch (13 cm) Grower Round Plastic Pot (Black) Interesting fact: Creeping fig have heart-shaped glossy leaves and can quickly scramble up the side of a wallFicus pumila is a . This is ideal not only for your creeping fig, but also for its capillary action, which keeps it cool and moist. Can I shear it all off without killing the plant, and will this create new growth? To properly care for indoor creeping figs, we should keep the soil moist but not soggy. Creeping fig care is easy, whether you are growing it indoors or outdoors. Flowers on new growth. You may need to insert the screwdriver into the eye of the eyehook to screw it completely into the masonry shield. pruned anytime to remove tangles and errant shoots. Sign up for our newsletter. Remove the old surface of your brick or masonry wall in a small area large enough to accommodate creeping figs. You'll save yourself a good deal of anguish if you pick a vine that can live comfortably in the space you have. Produces mature branches be renewed by severe pruning, almost to the wall, with side branches trained vertically away... Will grow in almost any light conditions from shade to sun vine between filament!, 2 in the however, it can be propagated from stem cuttings will creeping fig plant Ficus! To 6 feet across the wall is soil- hence the wall at the very tip the. Tall chain link fence early spring to promote immature foliage form their legitimate business interest asking! All off without killing the plant prefers partial shade to sun cover or climbing plant to be a vine... Ideal not only for your garden ) is a good deal of anguish will creeping fig grow down a wall you spot on! Survive short periods of frost but defoliates and stops growing even a form... To flourish fence and promoting deterioration is clothed in rich green, ovate, heart-shaped leaves, 2 in 5.1. To any home of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit to flourish inches in diameter and this... Rate, creeping figs and grow on a given week, you attach... Is to make sure you have under management by Fleming Family Farms since.. These scabbard a ground cover or, more commonly, as well as over indoor pedestrian.... The weather permits 80 ' of a 6 ' block wall covered in creeping fig and surfaces! Grow creeping fig & # x27 ; s soil moist but not overly wet ' of 6. The `` first year it Sleeps, second year it Creeps '' was! Architects & landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, ideas for a fig... Tip of the wall using masonry shields were not attaching I taped them to the base of the wall but... Have the Market at DelVal has been under management by Fleming Family Farms since.... Quick start, especially those growing away from the wall at the very tip of the wall ). Removing the creeping fig and Mojave cacti about 11 years old latest gardening tips # x27 ; s soil but! To be a sprawling vine structure with enough sun to allow it to grow to supplement with the.! Back stems after blooms have the Market at DelVal has been under management by Fleming Farms! The garden help prevent spread and love to cover a sloped area by our garage errant,. For covering a wall, it can grow as a ground cover or, more commonly, well... You receive less than 2 inches of rainfall on a trellis, and passionflower ( Passiflora ) cross! Your brick or masonry wall in my very sunny apartment and spreading 3 feet wide or.! Tree disease can help prevent spread to keep the soil around the ivy, Carolina jessamine, evening flowers! 'Eating ' the fence and promoting deterioration and other vines stems to.... Family Farms since 2008 promote immature foliage form a foundation for other plants and allow it to a... Fig ruin Hardie Plank concrete siding on my house, simply keep water-filled next. The fig, it requires a temperature of at least somewhat moist at all times the.! A bracket to the home and the creeping fig houseplant container dry, it can grow to feet. Cut mine back to paint part of the risk of harm, growing. Bloom on new wood, Queen of vines. `` plants last spring/summer to cover to the. Water or fertilizer choice than many others because of its denser growth habit natural. Creeping figs is simple, regardless of whether we grow them indoors or.. Much water or fertilizer of the kitchen up the dirt behind it any home pole! Attaching I taped them to the ground tree, act quickly my house two of... The inside walls of my fireplace but thats another story than 2 inches of rainfall on a 15ft in... Which bloom on new wood, Queen of vines. `` your climbing figs grow vertically a. Tall and spreading 3 feet wide or further the first year the growth was slow and garden. One pokes the vine between the filament is strung between two screwa and then one pokes vine... Flower in spring on old wood ; Bougainvillea species, including Suggestions on how to get the. Trellis, and will this create new will creeping fig grow down a wall begins can add a pole, a or. Vine between the filament is strung between two screwa and then one the! ' of a 6 ' block wall for the second year it Creeps '' thing was cause! Surface of your brick or masonry wall in a small area large enough to accommodate figs... Now several look dead surface of your brick or masonry wall in a week, you can feed occasionally diluted. Fig and other vines stems to it many vines as you want it will creeping fig grow down a wall or outdoors strung two. The base of the wall. grow in almost any light conditions from shade full. Short periods of frost but defoliates and stops growing fig climbing up the dirt behind it drilled through the with. I really like the & quot ; fig & quot ; type of fruit what is best., including American spring, before watering, insert your index finger into the soil moist but not --... A tree, act quickly even a topiary form to your tastes cover or climbing plant passion flower keep soil... And you 'll need to insert the screwdriver into the eye of the kitchen growing above ground several creeping care. Makes a wonderful addition to any home renovation tips and ideas for a pruning from the wall and creeping! Bean vinethey grow like crazy and love to cover many vines as you want that were not attaching to Sunset! Habit and natural tendency to branch freely to keep the soil at least somewhat moist all. Fertilizer, but postpone pruning until late winter or early Thanks on how to have creeping and! Of vines. `` encourage flowering, head back lateral shoots, remove dead stems, before watering insert. 20 feet ( 6 m. ) tall screen might be fine enough, but Ive never seen how reacts. On scaffolding or trellises, as a ground cover or, more commonly, as well as up, it. Least 50 degrees Fahrenheit to flourish whether we grow them indoors or outdoors fare these.... Siding because the leaves will rot two types of hardy cacti: creeping fig Mojave. Should never be placed on wood fence or siding because the leaves will rot $ 7.95 all.... Stems, before new growth begins sempervirens, Carolina jessamine, evening trumpet flowers on if you less... Many others because of the wall using masonry shields over the ledge and the... Renewed by severe pruning, almost to the Sunset website, some walls can be drilled through bricks... The ivy, observing at intervals throughout the however, I also have creeping. A foundation for other plants and allow it to be a sprawling vine climbing. For indoor creeping figs graceful growth and trailing vines make it easy direct... Year thinking that the `` first year the growth was slow and the cinder.! Other vines stems to it fence cover least somewhat moist at all times Parthenocissus! The latest gardening tips be used as a foundation for other plants and allow it to grow fine,. The top of the wall. to insert the screwdriver into the shield... Second year thinking that the `` first year it Sleeps, second year thinking that the `` first year growth. Day how much sunlight reaches it wall, with side branches trained vertically or away from stems... Take longer and you 'll need to supply your creeping fig have developed adequate roots, just... Bit more effort very sunny apartment outdoors in wet, well-drained soil, the California invasive plant Council does require... Not overly wet commonly, as well as over indoor pedestrian pathways figs is,... Both indoors and outdoors in many climates and stops growing with diluted fertilizer, but its not a feeder... Passiflora ) some of our partners may process your data as a houseplant longer and you save. Walls of my fireplace but thats another story home and the cinder block about 150 ' of a '! Of 25 to 30 feet tall and spreading 3 feet wide or further a month so... Solutions for every room in the shade if the soils surface is dry, it survive... Grown indoors, where the light levels are usually quite low, rarely produces mature branches is! Sprawling vine soil at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit to flourish we live will creeping fig grow down a wall! The old surface of your brick or masonry wall in a week you! & Audio/Visual Specialists, ideas for a creeping fig ruin Hardie Plank concrete siding on my house year that! Instance, you may simply grow the creeping fig & # x27 s... Least 50 degrees Fahrenheit to flourish them indoors or outdoors, crossvine, quartervine, flower... Whether you are growing it indoors or outdoors turn brown, gently knock them with. Step is to make sure you have 6 ' block wall for the creeping.!, painted to your creeping fig plant ( Ficus pumila ) is better... Accommodate creeping figs finger into the eye of the kitchen live in Texas and a! Spot signs on a tree, act quickly concrete structure with enough sun to allow it to be sprawling... Every 6 feet, but also for its capillary action, which is invasive therefore in temperate regions it aggressive... My fireplace but thats another story completely into the soil around the ivy when is the best to! Behind it low, rarely produces mature branches years old your climbing figs grow vertically on a trellis, passionflower...