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I am building a porch with latticed sides, which will be 2.5 m (8') high and 1 m (3') deep. I intend to plant irish ivy (Hedera helix hibernica) to climb up the porch at each side, as out along the eaves a bit. The eaves overhang 3/4 metre.

Is one plant per side enough, or do I need 2 per side? I would like medium thick foliage.

And by the way, does anyone have experience of irish ivy as ground cover?

Cheers.... :)

I used Paddys Pride (Hedera colchica Sulphur Heart [variegated large leafed ivy]) as a windbreak some years ago.

I used 15 plants for a 20 ft length up 6 ft (strong) trellis.

It took awhile to get established, then it was more a matter of pruning every year like a hedge.