(Question)
Hello, I planted two Boston ivy plants in two planters in the spring, they have done very well but I have noticed that some of the leaves in one of the plants show a reddish colouration around the leaf — is this the Fall colour showing up, or something else that I should worry about? I do not see it in the other planter. Thanks
(Answer)
Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners.
In fall, Boston ivy leaves begin a color transformation that goes from red to purple. As summer fades into fall, the days start getting shorter and there is less sunlight. This is a signal for the leaf to prepare for winter and to stop making chlorophyll. Once this happens, the green color starts to fade and the reds, oranges, and yellows become visible.
From your photo it appears that your Boston Ivy has started to show it’s fall colour. Why one planter started showing colour and not the other planter could be that one planter is more sheltered from the extreme drop in evening temperature that we have seen last week.