Yes, you can use an urban planter box to grow climbing ivy up a bare brick wall, but it works best as a controlled support system rather than letting the ivy attach directly to the masonry. The planter must be large enough to give the ivy a reasonable root run—think at least 45–60 cm deep and wide, with secure drainage holes and a sturdy position so it will not tip. Use a good-quality, free-draining soil-based mix, and leave a small gap between the planter and the wall so air can circulate and maintenance is easier.
Climbing ivy such as Hedera helix can cling to bare brick using aerial roots, but direct contact is not always ideal. On older or soft brick, ivy can work its way into mortar joints and hold moisture against the wall, which may lead to frost damage or damp issues over time. A safer approach is to install a freestanding or wall-mounted trellis just in front of the brick and train the ivy onto that. This gives you the green-wall look while protecting the masonry and making pruning much easier.
In an urban planter box, ivy will need more attention than it would in open ground. Water regularly, especially in hot, exposed city conditions, but never let the box stay waterlogged. Feed lightly during the growing season, and prune the ivy back several times a year to keep it from smothering windows, gutters, or neighbouring plants. Check the planter’s weight and stability, too, because mature ivy and wet soil can become heavy.
Before planting, confirm whether climbing ivy is invasive or restricted where you live; in some regions, English ivy spreads into nearby green spaces. If that is a concern, choose a less aggressive climber or keep the ivy in a contained, well-pruned planter. With a deep, well-drained urban planter box, a sturdy trellis, and regular maintenance, climbing ivy can grow up a bare brick wall successfully—just plan for wall protection and long-term control.