Helpful Garden Ideas

   

How can I remove Boston ivy holdfasts from vinyl siding?

To remove Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) holdfasts from vinyl siding, make a 3:1 solution of water and bleach with a splash of dish detergent. Put it in a spray bottle, and spray one area at a time (about 3' x 3') and use a medium stiff bristle brush to rub it in. Give it a few minutes to soak in and then rinse with a garden hose.  --Richard, Yorktown, Virginia

(N.B.: I would try this on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn't bleach the color from your siding.)

USDA plant profile:

http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/topics.cgi?earl=plant_profile.cgi&symbol=PATR6

Image of holdfasts of this plant:

http://www.botgard.ucla.edu/html/botanytextbooks/generalbotany/typesofshoots/tendril/a1173tx.html

I've heard about the invasive plant called buckthorn. What does it look like and how can I get rid of it?

 


     

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Last revised on October 23, 2009.