Ivy of the Year announced

**"Suzanne Pierot" s*@hvi.net**

                    PRESS RELEASE

    IVY OF THE YEAR 2003  - 'GOLDEN INGOT'

Hedera helix 'Golden Ingot' has been chosen as "Ivy of the Year 2003" by the
American Ivy Society.

This variegated ivy, which came from Denmark, attracts immediate attention
with its bright yellow leaves edged with dark green, and splashed in the
center with vibrant green and gray.  It is a "Variegated" "Ivy-Ivy" in the
Pierot Classification System.  In field-tests H.h. 'Golden Ingot' has proven
exceptional in many ways:  it is hardy in cold areas down to minus 20 F and
it can be grown in full sun to almost full shade, depending on where you
live.  It is easy to grow, moderately self-branching and not invasive.

The "Ivy of the Year" is chosen by a committee made up of members of the
American Ivy Society, nurserymen and growers across the United States.
'Golden Ingot' underwent a three year trial period in various climate areas;
Southern California, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

The secret to successful outdoor planting of H.h. 'Golden Ingot' and all
other variegated ivies is to plant them in lightly shaded areas that are out
of winter wind and sun.  The California nursery reported that they grew it
in full sun for over 3 years, but cautions that although their "full sun" is
sunnier than Pennsylvania or Ohio, the temperature is milder due to ocean
breezes.

The Ohio test garden noted that H.h. 'Golden Ingot' came through many very
cold winters without damage, it ws grown in 40-50% shade and still
maintained its bright yellow and green color.

The Pennsylvania grower commented that the gold is more intense in the
springtime because of the bright light and cool temperature.  The
yellow-gold coloration may go to a more crreamy color in high temperatures.
All
variegated ivies have less intense coloring in the shade than where there is
more light.

Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer.  There is a misconception that you
shouldn't fertilize variegated ivies because it encourages green growth.
This is an old wives tale.  All ivies, whether green or variegated, should
have regular feedings.

                                            --oOo--
For more information on the Pierot Classification System or for general ivy
information go to www.ivy.org.  Click on "Between the Vines".  Or
Email:  Suzanne@hvi.net
Photo has been posted on the Garden Writers photo site

_______________________________________________
gardenwriters mailing list
gardenwriters@lists.ibiblio.org
http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/gardenwriters

GWL has searchable archives at:
http://www.hort.net/lists/gardenwriters

If you have photos for GWL, send them to gwlphotos@hort.net and they will
show up at: http://www.hort.net/lists/gwlphotos