A:'Gold Heart' is a beautiful and hardy ivy that will look terrific climbing but it is not readily self branching so could take a very long time to cover completely. It tends to send out one or two long runners at a time. If you are interested in hiding the wall -- ' Gold Heart' could take years to accomplish that kind of coverage. If you are interested in a beautiful climber that will be dark green with deep yellow centers and interesting growth patterns -- 'Gold Heart' is a great choice. In the winter, if the temperature dips low enough the stems will turn red and add that much more interest to your wall. How many plants? Rhat depends on how much coverage you want. Most ivies you could plant one plant every 2 feet and accomplish coverage in 3-4 years but I think it would take 'Gold Heart' much longer.

Will the yellow heart burn?

Q: I just purchased a very young "golden heart" variegated ivy. Will this ivy do well in full afternoon sun? Will the yellow heart burn?

A: Depending on where you live, 'Gold Heart' should be fine in the full sun. However, if your plant is small, it may be best to grow it on in the pot an allow it to get somewhat larger before planting it in direct sun. Also, it is always good to acclimate newly purchased plants to sun as most often they have been growing in the greenhouse with at least 40% shade. The ivy can go into full sun but it should be done gradually over at least 3 to 4 weeks. This can be done by keeping it in the pot and moving it into the shade in the afternoon before it gets too hot. Gradually, leave it out longer and longer until it is ready for full sun. Another way to plant it out and cover it with newspaper or something other than plastic in the afternoon -- again-- covering it later and later until you no longer need to cover it. Also, keep newly planted ivies well watered as they need to establish roots. We suggest that you water regularly for at least a year. Do not keep them soggy but do not allow the soil to dry completely either.