50th Issue Vol. 5 No.

11

ISSN 2094-1765

November 2012

THE CHRISTMAS IVY

By Norby Bautista

Christmas is fast approaching,

and one of the plants closely
associated with this special
season is the Christmas Ivy.
The Christmas or English Ivy
is a popular Christmas plant.
The plant belongs to a large
group of lianas or woody
creeping
or
climbing ornamental plants.
Scientifically known as Hedera
helix, it belongs to the
Araliaceae plant family, which
also includes the famous
ginseng. It is a species native
to most of Europe, north Africa
and western Asia. It is
popularly
used
as
an
ornamental plant, especially
as a wall climber, used in
hanging baskets and also as a
screen or living curtain to
hide unsightly areas and
structures. Decorative ivy,
usually
with
variegated
leaves, are not typically
purchased with the berries in tact. Christmas Ivy is used as a hanging plant and
used as a Christmas decoration and as wreaths.
Whats special about this plant is that it is an excellent creeper, the Ivy
remains lush and green even during the coldest months of December, especially
in temperate countries. It can also cling to some of the smoothest of surfaces
with ease. Ivy usually flower in late autumn and small blackberries are produced
in late winter. In natural settings the berries are an important source of food for
winter animals but are incredibly poisonous for people. The English Ivy is an
evergreen climbing plant, growing to 2030 m high where suitable surfaces like
trees, cliffs and walls are available. They also grow as a ground cover where
there are no vertical surfaces. It climbs by means of aerial rootlets with matted
The Urban Gardener No. 50

Page 1

pads which cling strongly to the substrate. Ecologically, it is labeled as an

invasive weed species in a number of areas where it has been introduced.

Hedera helix with red venation

Hedera helix with open flowers

The leaves are alternate, about 50100 mm long, with a 1520 mm

petiole; they are of two types, with palmately five-lobed juvenile leaves on
creeping and climbing stems, and unlobed cordate adult leaves on fertile
flowering stems exposed to full sun, usually high in the crowns of trees or the top
of rock faces.
The flowers are produced from late summer until late autumn, individually
small, in 35 cm diameter umbels, greenish-yellow, and very rich in nectar, an
important late autumn food source for bees and other insects.
The fruit are purple-black to orange-yellow berries 68 mm diameter,
ripening in late winter, and are an important food for many birds, though
somewhat poisonous to humans.
There are one to five seeds in each berry, which are dispersed by birds
eating the berries. Over 30 cultivars have been selected for horticultural use as
yellow and white flowers, variegated leaves (e.g. 'Glacier'), and/or deeply lobed
leaves (e.g. 'Sagittifolia'), purple stems, and slow, dwarfed growth.
The plant is easy to grow. It may either be started from seeds or stem
cuttings. The plant thrives in shade to semi-shaded areas. It is widely cultivated
as an ornamental plant. It is often grown as a hanging plant or a companion
plant in potted medium sized woody plants. Horticulturally, the plant needs
constant pruning as it is fast growing and may usually grows wild. It grows well
in a fertile garden soil mix, planted in a 6-10 inch hanging pot. It requires regular
watering and minimal fertilization for optimum growth. Ecologically, the species
is greatly valued for attracting wildlife in its native habitat. The flowers are visited
The Urban Gardener No. 50

Page 2

by over 70 species of nectar-feeding insects, and the berries eaten by at least 16

species of birds. The foliage provides dense evergreen shelter, and is also
browsed by deer.
Unfortunately, the species can become a nuisance in gardens, rapidly
colonising hedges, trees and borders if not kept in check. It can even invade
neglected lawns.
Ivy's symbolic meanings are various. Its symbolism is based on the fact
that it is an evergreen plant, it clings and it grows in the shade. The ivy has a
peculiar connection with foretelling the future, especially for young women who
wants to know who their future husband would be. This theme of the eternal
beauty of evergreen plants reaching beyond seasons to another time is
consistent through many different superstitions and beliefs. The way that ivy
flourishes in the shade connected the plant to notions of secrecy, debauchery
and hidden desires. The clinging look of ivy signifies the faithfulness and
connection of close friendships and love relationships. Also, pagan winter
festivals used ivy to ward off evil spirits.

ASIAN GARDEN DESIGNS TO BE FEATURED IN THE

UPCOMING LOS BANOS MIDYEAR FLOWER AND
GARDEN SHOW AT UPLB.
An Asian or Oriental
garden design is usually
simple, and each area elicit
a harmonious flow within
the garden. Larger areas
are usually broken into
smaller designs with a
piece of dcor or sculpture,
alongside with a single or
group of plants to accent
the spot. A simple winding
pathway is used to connect
these
different
pocket
gardens as a whole. This
garden
design
usually
takes into consideration all the elemental factors of wood, fire, earth, water and
metal, plus the principles of Feng Shui.
The element of wood is usually represented by plants, especially trees. A soft
winding pathway is usually incorporated into the design, which leads from one
area to the next. Simplicity is encouraged.
The Urban Gardener No. 50

Page 3

On the otherhand, the symble of fire is represented by the color red. Bridges,
sculptures, arks and dcors painted in red are considered a lucky feature and
you can used in the garden.

A Japanese Koi Pond Garden with Bonsai and Waterfall

The element of Earth is represented by sand and stones in the garden, which are
great ways to fill vacant spaces, and they do not need maintenance like growing
plants. Since the sand needs to be raked clean or in patterns, they can also be
substituted gravel or larger stones if you have pets or children.
The element of water is accomplished by adding a water feature, either a small
pond, fountain or even a bird bath. With these, the terrain is usually rolling and
with elevations, instead of the usual flat topography in order for water to collect in
low lying areas. Using rocks, gravel and sand in an area can also create an
illusion of a water feature in one area, and they should be made orderly and neat
in design.
Lastly, the element of metal can be added by hanging wind chimes or bells in
your landscape, which will also add a delightful tinkling sound to calm the soul.
The Asian design should use few simple plants, with a gentle, soothing feel,
instead of a random tangled sorts of plants. Eastern garden designs shows the
essence of carefully controlling most elements. That control is evident in every
part of the garden where randomness and confusion is not allowed. Each and
every area, no matter how small, is treated as a piece of art. Materials like
The Urban Gardener No. 50

Page 4

bonsai trees, and naturally sculptured stones are some of the accessories
usually found in these gardens which creates that well-tended Asian feel.

A Korean Garden
With this, the Los Banos Horticultural Society will be having its Midyear Flower
and Garden show starting this October 5 to 14, 2012 at the Senior Social Garden
at the University of the Philippines at Los Banos campus, Laguna . This shows
theme is Asian Gardens, wherein the organizers will be featuring various Asian
garden designs from different countries in the Asia-Pacific. The Philippine booth
will be arranged by Myrna Orticio; Korea by Gintong Talulut; Japan by Exotica;
Thailand by Varunee; Singapore by Rain Forest Garden; China by Mr. Vic Chin;
Bali, Indonesia by Amy Partameno; Vietnam by Tony Pajaro; Indonesia by
Flower Box; Malaysia by Earth Keepers; and Burma by Marlon Bautista.
According to Ms Marina Catipon, President of the Los Banos Horticulture Society
and Chairperson of the show, the featured plants will be bamboos and flowering
plants. In the last five years, the use of bamboo for landscaping has become
very popular. Bamboo will be an important element of the Asian gardens. To
top your knowledge on bamboo, Dr. Celso Lantican of the College of Forestry,
UPLB will talk on Bamboos on Saturday, Oct. 6th at 2 pm. The following
Saturday at 2 in the afternoon, Vic Chin, Vice President of the Society, will talk on
culture of flowering plants.
The guest of honor during the opening will be Josephine Calma-Lazaro, a
pioneer member of the horticultural society of Los Banos. The center exhibit will
The Urban Gardener No. 50

Page 5

be arranged by Jojo Lazaro. The display will be a tribute to a former active

member of the plant societies in the Philippines, Mr. CV Lazaro. It is also at the
show where the floriferous Tabernamontana CV Lazaro will be launched.
Tabernamontana CV Lazaro is related to the native pandacaque but has white
multi-petalled flowers with frills on the margin. It has a sweet scent in the
morning and blooms throughout the year. It is an excellent flowering shrub for
landscaping with its ever-blooming characteristic and glossy deep green leaves.
The Los Banos Horticulture Society is proud to name this selection CV Lazaro
who was an active officer of the society and a well-known horticulturist.

The Tropical Christmas Tree

The Calamondin orange is a
popular ornamental citrus
especially
during
the
Christmas season. This isnt a
surprise
as
the
plant
resembles a Christmas tree
laden with round orange
fruits, which measurieone and
one-fourth
in
diameter.
Scientifically known as the
Citrofortunella mitis, it is
technically a hybrid of the
mandarin
orange
and
kumquat. It is also commonly
called the Musk lime and
Panama orange.
Like all citrus, it belongs to the family Rutaceae. The plant is native to China and
is one of the cold-hardiest citrus. It has to grow in cold temperatures for the fruits
to ripen develop a bright orange hue.
The plant, usually potted and laden with fruits, is often used to adorn home and
office interiors during the first quarter of the year. It is a symbol of prosperity and
good fortune and a prominent item during Chinese New Year celebrations.
Aside from its fruits, the plant blooms with fragrant delicate white flowers that
grow in clusters. The fruits are formed from the flowers.
The plant can grow up to about four feet in height when potted. However, when
planted on the ground, it can reach up to six to 25 feet in height. The branches
can be slightly thorny in some places and it has an extremely deep taproot.

The Urban Gardener No. 50

Page 6

It grows well in full sun or partially shaded areas but its best to expose the plant
to direct sunlight for four hours daily. In general, citrus plants grow healthier
when placed outdoors under bright light during summer.

Provide actively growing plants with high potash fertilizers for continuous
flowering and fruiting. For small plants, you may use five to six inch pots, but for
larger plants, use a 10-inch or bigger pot. Sandy-loam type soils, usually a
mixture of garden soil, sand and leaf compost is recommended. Move the plants
into containers one size larger every year as it grows. Afterwards, yearly
topdressing of fresh potting mixture will suffice.
The plant can be propagated by using three to six inch long stem cuttings from
matured plants, dipped in a rooting hormone powder and planted in a pot with
moist potting mixture. The whole pot with stem cuttings are then enclosed in a
clear plastic bag for humidity and kept at room temperature. Water occasionally
to prevent drying until it has rooted, usually after six to eight weeks. You may
then remove the plastic cover and move the plant to a much brighter area. It is

The Urban Gardener No. 50

Page 7

also easy to grow the plants from seeds, but it will take them longer, about seven
to 10 years before they fruit.
Provide plants with sufficient
humidity by regularly watering
and wetting the surrounding area.
Low humidity usually attracts red
spider mites, scale insects and
white flies because of the sweet
honeydew secreted by the plants.
Use a commercial insecticide
spray to control insects if severe
infestation occurs.
Calamondin oranges can be
cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Its creamy-green foliage and
edible fruit always look attractive
in landscape settings. The fruits
at times taste sour and are
primarily used for cooking. The
juice can be used as a lime
substitute.
Similar
to
our
calamansi, the juice from the fruit
can be used against itching
caused by insect bites. The juice
can also sterilize hands when water and soap is not available and used as a
deodorant.

The Urban Gardener is an official electronic publication (in PDF Format) of the Plant
Biotechnology Project, Research & Development Center, Rizal Technological University, Boni
Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Philippines. It is published monthly. For more information, please
inquire thru email: rdc_rtu@yahoo.com or plantbiotech_rtu@yahoo.com and landline
(+632) 534-8267 Local 135 or Fax (+632) 534-9710.
Edited by N.R. Bautista November 2012
The Plant Biotechnology Project Committee is composed of:
Alexander B. Quilang, Norberto R. Bautista, & Jovita A. Anit.

The Urban Gardener No. 50

Page 8