Outdoor Blog

12 Types of Outdoor Ivy Plants & How to Identify Them

Published

3 years ago

June 20, 2021

Outdoor ivy plants are climbers that are covered in green leaves, and the different types of ivy require different care routines.

Most have different leaf shapes and different leaf colors, but all of them are very low-maintenance plants. Because they are climbing vines, ivy plants need something to climb, like a trellis, wall, or whatever garden structure you have. Get ready to learn everything about ivy varieties, their botanical names, and their care needs.

Ivy is most well-known for climbing on structures.

1. English Ivy (aka Hedera Helix)

This evergreen vine tends to flower between late summer and late fall, and it’s very popular across the Atlantic. It has very large, dark green leaves, and it can grow up to 100 feet tall! This ivy plant needs partial shade and it spreads very quickly as a groundcover plant.

Some English ivy plants make good houseplants to put in hanging baskets too. The different varieties of this ivy plant include goldchild ivy, ivalace ivy, and needlepoint ivy. Goldchild ivy has variegated leaves, which means that the leaves are different colors on the edges and middle.

Most people think of this ivy as indoor ivy, so it’s up to you where you want to keep this plant. Ivalace ivy has curly leaves that are shiny green. The leaves are somewhat distinct because they curl so much at the edges. Needlepoint ivy gets its name because the lobes on the leaves are so sharp.

This type of ivy needs full shade because it’s more sensitive to light. This ivy is very common for ground coverage in gardens because colorful flowers will pop against its deep green leaves. English ivy is the most common ivy used, and it has over 400 cultivars.

2. Russian Ivy (aka Hedera Pastuchovii)

This ivy makes small white flowers during the summer months, and those flowers will turn into edible fruits once they finish flowering. The leaves on this ivy are a light shade of green and can develop wavy edges. This ivy does better as a climbing vine than it does at serving as ground cover.

This ivy is very invasive, so it’s not as common as the other types of ivy. It has great hardiness, and you’ll need to prune it every spring for it to keep growing at a healthy rate. It can take any kind of sun exposure, from full sun to full shade. It needs acidic soil like most ivies do. Another common name for this ivy is the Devil’s ivy.

3. Irish Ivy (aka Hedera Hibernica)

Irish ivy can climb walls or serve as ground cover. The ivy leaves of this plant are very dark green and have a glossy finish to them. This ivy has a very fast growth rate, so make sure that you keep a close eye on it to keep it from taking over your home or garden.

It grows yellowish-green flowers in the fall, and it grows purplish-black berries in the spring. Like many other kinds of ivy, Irish ivy is very invasive. It needs either full shade or full sun, and it will thrive in any kind of soil. Although it’s called Irish ivy, it’s also native in the Baltic regions, British Isles, and Scandinavian countries.

4. Boston Ivy (aka Parthenocissus Tricuspidata)

This is a type of woody vine that isn’t actually an ivy, but it’s labeled with ivies because it’s really good at climbing. Its leaves have three points that are lime green in the summer months and a reddish-purple in the winter months.

The flowers it produces aren’t very noticeable, but it makes berries in the fall that are a dark blue color. It requires some form of sunlight, ranging from partial shade to full sun. This plant actually belongs to the grape family, so the berries it produces are edible.

It needs either full sunlight or partial shade, so you should try to plant it in a place where it will get either of these options. Its flowers are goldish-yellow or white, and they bloom in the summer and spring. It can take any kind of soil, as long as it isn’t extremely acidic.

5. Himalayan Ivy (aka Hedera Nepalensis)

Out of all the ivies, this one has the best hardiness zone because it grows at very high altitudes. This ivy is native to countries in Asia, specifically Nepal and Bhutan. Its leaves are very dark green, but they have lighter veins. The leaves of this ivy are very spread out, so it’s not always the top choice for coverage of any kind.

Because this ivy came from such high altitudes in the Himalayas, it doesn’t do well in harsh heat. It should not be planted in acidic soil, only neutral soil. Its flowers are a light yellow, and they bloom during the summer and fall. Try to plant this ivy in a space where it will get full or partial shade.

6. Algerian Ivy (aka Hedera Algeriensis)

The leaves on these ivy varieties are lobed, large leaves. This type of ivy can be invasive, so make sure that you maintain control over this plant. Because it is a climbing plant, it will more than likely climb all over your house if it gets the opportunity.

Its leaves are very broad and a deep shade of green, but it has other varieties of variegation available to you. While any kind of sunlight exposure and soil will work well with this ivy, it grows more efficiently in constantly moist soil. One common variety of Algerian ivy is called Gloire de Marengo.

It’s often called heart ivy because the leaves look like hearts and are greenish-gray in the middle with white edges. Most growers have this type of ivy climb up trellises, walls, and slopes. While it creates leaves and berries, they don’t make much of an impact on the appearance of the ivy.

Algerian ivy is great in harsh weather, which means that it has great hardiness. Most people plant this ivy in California because it helps control soil erosion. It needs full shade or partial sun because it will dry out very quickly. This ivy needs a neutral kind of soil to grow in, or slightly acidic soil will also work.

7. Swedish Ivy (aka Plectranthus Australis)

This isn’t a very good climbing vine, so it’s mostly used for ground cover. Its leaves are dark green, and they have an oval shape. One interesting thing is that the undersides of the leaves are purple. This also isn’t a true ivy, and it’s in the same family as sages and mints.

All parts of this plant’s name are misleading because this plant isn’t even from Sweden; it’s from Northern Australia. Many people like to have this plant indoors because its trailing vines look very good in hanging baskets, but it’s common to find it outside as well.

It requires partial shade, and it needs neutral soil. The round shape of its leaves makes it great for ground cover in gardens because it will make the flowers pop.

Persian ivy looks like a heart, which makes it easy to remember.

8. Persian Ivy (aka Hedera Colchica)

This type of ivy has very shiny leaves that are very large compared to the other kinds of ivy leaves. The leaves can grow between six and ten inches. The leaves resemble the shape of a heart, so this ivy is sometimes referred to as Bullock’s Heart ivy.

Its leaves are very shiny and dark green. One variety of Persian ivy is called the Sulphur Heart. It takes the same heart shape as regular Persian ivy, but the color of the leaves is different. Leaves on the Sulphur Heart variety are a lime green color, and it produces gold flowers.

This ivy looks very good on dark walls because the leaves and flowers will pop. Persian ivy is sometimes referred to as Colicha ivy. It needs partial to full shade, so make sure that you don’t leave it exposed to full sunlight. This ivy won’t grow well in acidic soil, so make sure that you use neutral soil when planting this ivy.

9. Bush Ivy (aka Fatshedera Lizei)

This type of ivy is a hybrid mix of English ivy and Japanese ivy. It’s native to North America and Europe, and it’s typically used as ground cover or an indoor plant. Its leaves are deep green in the center and light yellow on the edge. It requires partial shade, and it needs acidic soil in order for it to grow well. Its flowers bloom in fall and are greenish-white.

10. Japanese Ivy (aka Hedera Rhombea)

The best way to recognize Japanese ivy is because its large heart-shaped leaves have white veins running through them. This type of ivy makes small flowers that take on the shape of umbrellas and are the color of light green. Once flowering is over, the ivy produces round fruits that are black.

Unlike most ivies, Japanese ivy isn’t used for climbing in gardens. Most people use it for ground cover. This type of ivy needs any kind of sun exposure except for full shade, or else it won’t grow. It can grow to be about 24 feet long when it’s fully mature.

It can thrive in any kind of soil, but it won’t do as well in soil that has lots of acidities.

Japanese ivy has three lobes.

11. Moroccan Ivy (aka Hedera Maroccana)

Moroccan ivy is a very close relative to Canarian ivy. Also, it isn’t the best ivy for climbing, so many people use it for ground cover. It’s used to growing in warmer climates, so it shouldn’t be planted somewhere that’s cold. It likes warmer climates because it originated from Morocco, the Canary Islands, and Northern Africa.

This kind of ivy loves rocky surfaces and tree trunks. This ivy has green flowers that bloom in the fall. It can thrive in almost any kind of soil, extremely acidic soil being the only exception. It needs full sun exposure or partial/full shade. This ivy looks very good on light-colored trellises because the leaves are such a dark shade of green.

12. Canarian Ivy (aka Hedera Canariensis)

This type of ivy is from the Canary Islands and is North African, and even though some people call Algerian ivy by this name, they are two different species. The growth habit of this ivy is very impressive; it can grow up to 100 feet tall! Its leaves grow very close together, so this plant is great for both ground coverage and climbing vine.

One interesting thing about this ivy is that you can train it to grow however you want it to. Its flowers bloom in the summer and fall and are a whitish-green color. It needs any kind of soil and any kind of sunlight exposure other than full sunlight. It grows in forests, so it makes sense that it really likes shade.

How to Spot Poison Ivy

Just about everyone has heard of poison ivy and how much it itches when you come in contact with it. It’s extremely common in North America. You can recognize poison ivy because it has a triad of leaves, but there are several different types of plants that look like this.

For people who love to hike and camp, it’s important to know what poison ivy looks like and how to treat it if you come in contact with it. You should also know how to clear out poison ivy infestations from your home.

Here are some of the defining characteristics of poison ivy:

Smoother/toothed leaf edges that aren’t serrated or lobed
Pointy leaf tips
Smooth or shiny appearance on leaves
Leaves look droopy
The middle leaf is bigger than the two other leaves
Two outside leaves grow from the main stem

Color and berries aren’t always the best indicator for poison ivy because leaf color varies with the season and many other plants have yellowish-white berries. The main thing to do when trying to figure out if a plant is poison ivy or not is to leave it alone.

You don’t want to be touching the plant and then come to the realization that it’s poison ivy. When trying to get rid of a poison ivy infestation, there are a number of things to do. First of all, cover yourself from head to toe to prevent touching the plant.

Next, choose a day when it’s not raining or windy so the leaves don’t get away from you. Then, cut the plant as much as you can and dig up some of the roots. After you’ve got what you think you can manually, use a herbicide to kill off the rest of it.

You might think that you’re done after that, but unfortunately, you aren’t. To dispose of the poison ivy, throw it away in thick garbage bags. Whatever you do, don’t burn it because it’s very dangerous to burn. Throw your gloves away as well.

All that’s left to do is wash everything, which means your gardening tools, clothes, and shoes. Touching poison ivy isn’t the end of the world, but it might feel like it at the time. You’ll more than likely get a very itchy, raised rash that can last between 5 and 12 days.

If you know that you’ve touched poison ivy, wash the area with cold water and soap. You can use an oatmeal bath, cortisone cream, and calamine lotion to relieve the itch, but time is the only thing that will get rid of the infection.

Outdoor Blog

BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024

Published

1 month ago

June 26, 2024

Jonas Muthoni

BougeRV is thrilled to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024, scheduled from June 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. As North America’s premier outdoor industry trade show, the event is a convergence of top brands, retailers, and industry professionals showcasing the latest in outdoor gear and innovations. BougeRV’s participation is a perfect example of their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly outdoor living solutions.

At the head of BougeRV’s exhibit is the Rocky Portable Fridge, a robust and versatile cooling solution designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. This innovative fridge features dual-zone capability, allowing it to function simultaneously as a refrigerator and a freezer. Built with heavy-duty materials, the Rocky Portable Fridge is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including shockproof capabilities up to 40°. The fridge’s efficient energy consumption, coupled with a battery protection system, makes it perfect for off-grid adventures, aligning perfectly with the sustainable ethos of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

The Rocky Portable Fridge also shows off an impressive temperature range from -4°F to 68°F, allowing for precise temperature control. Its smart storage solutions, including a removable divider and basket, ensure that items remain organized and easily accessible. The fridge can be powered by a 12V/24V DC car port, a 100-240V AC wall outlet, or an optional portable power station, providing unparalleled versatility. This adaptability is crucial for modern adventurers who require reliable and efficient cooling solutions on the go.

In addition to the Rocky Portable Fridge, BougeRV is showing several other cutting-edge products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. The CRPRO 30, a compact and high-performance fridge, is perfect for campers and RV enthusiasts. Its advanced cooling technology and robust build make it a reliable companion for any journey. Similarly, the 4000BTU Portable Air Conditioner is tailored for overlanding and camping, offering powerful cooling with user-friendly features such as dual adjustable air outlets and an IPX4 water-resistant design. These products are expected to attract overlanding enthusiasts eager to explore the latest innovations in outdoor living.

BougeRV’s participation in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is really and truly about connecting with other industry leaders, exploring emerging trends, and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By attending this prestigious and engaging event, BougeRV aims to highlight their dedication to providing high-quality products that cater to the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts.

For more details about BougeRV and their innovative products, visit the BougeRV website. BougeRV’s involvement in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024 highlights their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning them as a leading brand in the outdoor industry ready to make a significant impact at this breakout event.

Outdoor Blog

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Sam Brooks

The wilderness beckons with the promise of adventure, but any seasoned hunter knows that what you wear can make or break your experience. Gone are the days when outdoor apparel was purely utilitarian. Today, fashion and functionality blend seamlessly to create gear that’s not only practical but also stylish. From the latest camouflage patterns to weather-resistant fabrics, let’s explore the evolution of outdoor apparel and how it’s revolutionizing the way we approach the great outdoors.

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Camouflage has come a long way from the simple green and brown patterns of yesteryear. Modern camouflage designs are now a blend of advanced science and cutting-edge style. These patterns aren’t just about blending into the background; they’re about creating an optical illusion that makes the wearer nearly invisible to wildlife.

Contemporary camo gear incorporates a variety of colors and textures to match different environments, from dense forests to arid deserts. This evolution in design is as much about aesthetics as it is about effectiveness, allowing hunters to move through their chosen terrain with confidence and stealth.

The shift towards more sophisticated camouflage patterns also reflects a broader trend in outdoor apparel: the desire for gear that looks good and performs even better. Hunters today want apparel that makes a statement while still providing the ultimate in concealment. Whether it’s a jacket with a sleek, modern design or pants that offer the perfect balance of comfort and camouflage, today’s outdoor apparel combines fashion and function like never before.

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Layering is a critical concept in outdoor apparel, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. Modern layering systems are designed to regulate body temperature and provide protection from the elements. However, they also offer a chance to showcase personal style. Successful layering starts with choosing pieces that work well together both functionally and visually.

Base layers, for instance, have evolved from simple thermal wear to stylish garments that can be worn on their own or as part of a layered ensemble. These pieces are often made from advanced fabrics that provide warmth without bulk, ensuring that hunters can stay comfortable and mobile. Mid-layers add another dimension of style and functionality, offering insulation while allowing for breathability. Softshell jackets and vests come in many different colors and designs, making it easy to find pieces that suit individual tastes.

Layering can also help you catch different kinds of animals. For instance, when you’re looking for turkey hunting tips, it’s important to look at the best kinds of layering to stay incognito and catch the best birds. Choosing the right layers can make a significant difference in staying comfortable and concealed during long hours in the field.

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

Footwear is another area where outdoor apparel has seen significant evolution. In the past, hunting boots were purely functional, but, today, they still offer these essential qualities but have also become a fashion statement. Modern hunting boots come in a variety of styles, from traditional leather to contemporary synthetic materials, and are available in a range of colors and designs.

The advancements in footwear technology have been remarkable. Today’s hunting boots are designed to be lightweight yet durable, with features like waterproof membranes, breathable linings, and advanced traction systems. These innovations ensure that hunters can move comfortably and safely through any environment. But it’s not just about functionality; the aesthetic appeal of modern hunting boots is undeniable. Many boots are designed with sleek, stylish lines that make them suitable for wearing both in the field and in more casual settings.

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

When it comes to hunting, high-performance gear is a game-changer. This is the section where outdoor apparel truly shines, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design to create products that offer unmatched performance. Performance hunting gear includes everything from moisture-wicking base layers to high-tech outerwear designed to withstand the harshest conditions.

Today’s high-performance apparel utilizes advanced materials that are both lightweight and durable. Fabrics like Gore-Tex and other proprietary blends offer superior protection against wind and water while maintaining breathability. These materials help regulate body temperature, keeping hunters comfortable in a wide range of environments. In addition to these practical benefits, high-performance gear often features ergonomic designs that allow for a full range of motion, ensuring that hunters can move freely and easily.

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter

Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration in the world of outdoor apparel. Hunters who are passionate about preserving the wilderness they love to explore are now seeking out eco-friendly clothing options that minimize environmental impact. Eco-friendly outdoor apparel is made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and biodegradable fibers. These materials offer the same performance benefits as traditional fabrics but with a lower environmental footprint.

Outdoor Blog

The Role of Camouflage in Wildlife Photography and Hunting

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Caleb Cole

Camouflage plays a vital role in the worlds of wildlife photography and hunting, serving as an indispensable tool for enthusiasts and professionals alike. It’s not just about blending into the environment; it’s about becoming a part of it. Camouflage allows for closer interactions with wildlife, ensuring more successful hunts and breathtaking photographs. Here, we explore the key roles camouflage plays in these outdoor activities.

Blending In: The Art of Disappearing

One of the primary roles of camouflage is to help the wearer blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This art of disappearing is crucial whether you’re capturing a stunning image of a deer at dawn or patiently waiting for your prey during hunting season. In wildlife photography, the goal is to get as close as possible without disturbing the natural behavior of the animals. Camouflage clothing, face paint, and even equipment coverings can make the difference between a once-in-a-lifetime shot and a missed opportunity.

For hunters, blending into the environment increases the chances of a successful hunt. Animals have keen senses, and the slightest hint of an unnatural shape or color can send them running. Camouflage gear allows hunters to become virtually invisible. This skill of blending in isn’t just about wearing the right colors; it’s about understanding the terrain, the light, and how to move with stealth.

Reducing the Human Scent and Sound

Another critical aspect of camouflage in both photography and hunting is the reduction of human scent and sound. Animals naturally use their sense of smell and hearing to detect potential threats. Successful hunting trips often hinge on the ability to minimize human presence in these sensory fields. Specially designed camouflage clothing can help mask human odors, making it harder for animals to pick up on your scent.

Similarly, wildlife photographers need to consider their scent and sound output. Even the most visually inconspicuous photographer can ruin a perfect shot if their scent or a stray noise alerts the animals. Using scent-masking sprays and moving with extreme caution are part of the camouflage strategy, ensuring that photographers can get closer to their subjects without causing alarm.

Enhancing Patience and Stealth

Patience and stealth are virtues that every hunter and wildlife photographer must possess, and camouflage gear enhances these qualities. When you’re properly camouflaged, you can afford to be more patient, knowing that you are less likely to be detected. This confidence allows for longer waiting periods in prime locations, increasing the chances of capturing that perfect shot or making a successful kill.

For wildlife photographers, the need for patience is paramount. Animals won’t always show up when you want them to, and sudden movements can ruin hours of careful preparation. Camouflage helps in remaining undetected, allowing photographers to wait silently and still for the right moment. Hunters also benefit from this patience, as it enables them to wait for the ideal shot without rushing and potentially missing their target.

Specialized Camouflage for Different Hunts: Moose Hunting

Different types of hunting require specialized camouflage, and moose hunting is a prime example. Moose are large, elusive animals often found in dense forests and swampy areas. Successful moose hunters understand the need for specific camouflage patterns that mimic the unique environments where moose thrive. Moose hunting clothes are designed to blend into the dark, shadowy forests and marshes, making hunters virtually invisible to these keen-eyed creatures.

During moose hunting season, the right camouflage can make or break your experience. Moose have excellent vision and can easily detect unnatural movements or colors. By wearing appropriate camouflage, hunters can move quietly and position themselves for a clear shot without spooking their quarry.

The specialized gear often includes clothing that covers the entire body, including gloves and face masks, ensuring that no part of the hunter stands out against the natural backdrop. This thorough approach is essential in moose hunting, where patience and precision are key.

Capturing Authentic Wildlife Behavior

Wildlife photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures; it’s about capturing authentic wildlife behavior. Camouflage allows photographers to become invisible observers, documenting animals in their natural state without any human interference. This is particularly important for conservation efforts, as understanding genuine animal behavior can inform better strategies for protecting various species and their habitats.

Photographers who use camouflage can get closer to their subjects, often capturing moments that would be impossible to see from a distance. This proximity results in more intimate and detailed shots, showcasing the animals’ daily activities, interactions, and environments.

The authenticity of these images can inspire greater appreciation and respect for wildlife, encouraging more people to support conservation initiatives. By blending into the environment, photographers can witness and document behaviors that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing invaluable insights into the natural world.

outdoorcommand.com (Post 2)

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter