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Do you struggle to
keep your hanging basket vibrant throughout the entire summer
In any season, whether it’s winter or otherwise, many gardeners face similar challenges. Even seasoned horticulturists with plenty of experience—or perhaps just good fortune—can struggle to maintain their elevated gardens successfully. These types of gardens often have containers so shallow that they dry out rapidly, causing plants’ voracious root systems to exhaust available nutrients swiftly. While solutions such as larger hanging baskets, superior fertilizers, or automated watering systems may assist, these aren’t necessarily your only options. Instead, consider focusing on which species you’re cultivating rather than altering the method itself. For instance, a resilient option well-suited for life above ground would be the recently introduced ivy variety known as ‘Hedera Tropical Blizzard’. This plant thrives under minimal care and prefers warmer conditions.
This exceptionally appealing, big-leafed cultivar of Hedera canariensis, an Algerian ivy variety, was introduced by PlantHaven in 2020 and granted patents globally in 2021 through its creator, the well-known American horticulturist Sean Hogan. Native to western parts of mainland and island-based Africa rather than North America, the original Algerian ivy—also referred to as Canary Island, Canary, or Madeira ivy—is associated with potential risks such as causing skin irritations and allergic reactions upon physical touch and severe toxicity if ingested in significant quantities. While it’s uncertain whether these characteristics were inherited by ‘Tropical Blizzard’, safety measures should still be taken; use protective gear like gloves during handling and maintenance tasks involving this plant, and ensure it remains inaccessible to kids and animals. Additionally, despite being commonly found listed among various flora guides,
non-native species you should absolutely avoid cultivating
Hedera ‘Tropical Blizzard’ grows slowly and does not invade surrounding areas. Anticipate some spreading after planting, yet it will stay fairly compact compared to its more invasive relative.
Read more:
The Easy-Care Suspended Planter Bloom Capable of Withstanding High Temperatures and Enhancing Your Deck’s Aesthetics
What Makes Tropical Blizzard Stand Out Among Other Vining Plants?
Why is Hedera ‘Tropical Blizzard’ particularly easy to care for, especially when used in hanging baskets? This variety isn’t picky about the type of soil; it can thrive in almost any kind of soil or potting mix provided it drains well. Whether placed in direct sunlight or deep shadow, it adapts easily, making it perfect for shady areas beneath your porch overhangs or bright spots near illuminated pergolas around your outdoor seating area. Similar to other varieties within the genus, ‘Tropical Blizzard’ remains green all year round. By incorporating this trailing plant into your decor, you won’t need to worry about clearing fallen foliage from below your hanging displays for several seasons—possibly even indefinitely—in regions where it behaves as an annual, let alone in zones where it’s considered a perennial.
The glossy foliage of ‘Tropical Blizzard’ transitions from cream to gold to vibrant green and can extend up to 6 inches in length and 4 inches in width under optimal growth conditions. What sets them apart is their emergence from vivid hot pink stalks. You have no reason to fret over this plant overtaking your space; intended for a hanging basket, it remains neatly contained and simple to manage. Although it has the potential to climb up to 60 feet as a vine, the trailing branches will likely not come close to reaching such lengths when placed in a hanging container. Additionally, this variety is slightly more sensitive to colder temperatures compared to its wild ancestor. Hardy in USDA zones 8 through 11, it should be grown either seasonally outdoors or indoors as a hanging specimen in areas with harsher winters.
Acquiring and Nurturing This Unique Ivy Variety
Various types of Hedera can usually be found at garden centers during the fall and spring seasons, making these periods ideal for seeking out young plants of Hedera ‘Tropical Blizzard.’ Nonetheless, this species is accessible in small numbers throughout the entire year. For instance,
Tonkadale
In Minnetonka, Minnesota, they sell an 8-inch pot of Hedera ‘Tropical Blizzard’ for approximately $40. Meanwhile, at the nursery in Greenwood, South Carolina, one-quart containers of this attractive variety are priced at $8 apiece.
Wayside Garden
Similar to numerous varieties of Algerian ivy, ‘Tropical Blizzard’ stays perpetually in its juvenile phase, thus never producing flowers or seeds. Nurseries propagate ‘Tropical Blizzard’ through cuttings once they acquire a necessary license, as this is mandated for the replication of patented plants.
If you succeeded in obtaining one or maybe even three seedlings, you might be pondering now
How to effectively cultivate an Ivy plant
Similar to the Hedera ‘Tropical Blizzard’ in a hanging planter. Ensure you avoid overwatering the soil in your hanging container for this variegated ivy; as noted earlier, ‘Tropical Blizzard’ dislikes constantly soggy conditions. Opt for a light, fast-draining potting mix designed for hanging plants that maintains balanced moisture levels.
Hanging Planter Soil Sunrise Potting Soil Blend
—a 4-quart bag typically costs around $13. During the initial one to two years of growth, regularly trim back spindly branches to maintain your ‘Tropical Blizzard’ as a dense shrub. Repotting your plant annually should eliminate the need for additional fertilization. Yellowing foliage usually indicates overwatering; however, inspect for pests, examine for signs of leaf spot disease, or consider relocating the plant to a brighter area.
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