On 06/05/2013 21:38, TimLondon wrote:
Hi, should I encourage ivy to grow or does it become unmanageable? I've
just bought a house that already has some but it wants to spread across
the side of the house. While I think it's attractive I don't want to
create a beast that'll be a headache in the future! Any thoughts
welcome.

Tendency to become bigger invasive and unruly. If the mortar is even
slightly iffy it will damage it and any paintwork it grips onto.

Hydrangea petiolaris is a more benign climber with much nicer flowers.
I do allow ivy to grow in my garden for wildlife but not on the house.

the variagated forms are somewhat less vigorous which may help you.

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Regards,
Martin Brown