Hedera algeriensis Gloire de Marengo - Algerian Ivy

This ivy or Hedera algeriensis 'Gloire de Marengo' is a magnificent variegated foliage form of green, silver-grey, cream, and white from the Canary ivy. Its large swollen leaves, carried by red petioles, sometimes take on shades of pink in cold weather. Evergreen, elegant, and extremely bright, it is especially popular in semi-shaded or shady areas where few plants are willing to grow. Ideal for covering a wall, fence, large slope, or the base of a hedge, it is not afraid of drought or poor, dry soil in summer. As bright as a ground cover as it is as a climber, this ivy sometimes lacks hardiness in cooler climates. Nevertheless, it also grows well in a large pot to store during winter!

 Hedera algeriensis or canariensis is a botanical species native to the Tunisian and Algerian coasts, where it grows in mountainous areas. 'Gloire de Marengo' is believed to be a spontaneous hybrid between Hedera algeriensis, the green-leaved species, and Hedera canariensis, which has enormous leaves. It stands out for its beautifully coloured foliage. Ivies belong to the Araliaceae family and are cousins of ginseng and fatsias. 'Gloire de Marengo' has a moderately fast growth, sometimes taking time to establish. Its habit is both climbing and creeping. An adult plant will reach 5 to 7 metres (16 to 23 feet) in height or width. Its large triangular leaves, slightly swollen, with 3 to 5 faintly marked lobes, measure 9 to 11 cm (4in) in all directions. They are randomly variegated with dark emerald green, grey-green, silver, and cream-yellow. The young leaves are primarily white. Its reddish branches, partially covered with red star-shaped hairs, become more brown as they age. They are equipped with aerial roots that firmly allow the plant to cling to any support, even on a wall. Flowering occurs in September-October, and fruiting occurs in late winter or early spring. The flowers, cream to yellowish-green, have five petals. They are grouped in umbels themselves arranged in terminal clusters. The fruits are round, black-blue berries, 8 to 9 mm (0in) wide, and are gathered in clusters. When ingested by mammals, especially humans, they are toxic but nutritious and valuable for specific birds, such as songbirds and wood pigeons.

It suits everything, and everything suits it! A statement that sounds like a plea for ivy, in all its splendour with 'Gloire de Marengo'. This Canary ivy 'Gloire de Marengo' transforms everything it touches, even in the slightly challenging areas of the garden, in the sun or shade, in soil full of roots, dry in summer, and with a high lime content, where no lawn can establish itself. Its luxuriant growth effectively and perfectly covers the ground, eventually discouraging weeds. It hides unsightly fences with its exquisite foliage and brings a touch of romance to old stones. If it carpets the ground, its foliage can be brightened up by accompanying it with spring-flowering bulbs such as botanical narcissus or muscari, which will emerge from the carpet in spring. On a slightly shaded wall, it pairs well with clematis montana or a climbing rose like Felicia or Albertine. Combine it with periwinkles, Pachysandra terminalis, or a climbing hydrangea to create a largely original and colourful ground cover on a slope.

Did you know?

The ivy in our gardens is a decontaminant, capable of absorbing pollutants such as benzene produced in the exhaust fumes of our vehicles. This plant is not afraid of salt used for snow removal, cold, or dryness, and its flowering is an excellent source of food for bees in late summer or autumn. Even though their reputation as destroyers is well established, ivies have protected old, dilapidated walls more than they have destroyed them; the removal of this plant is firmly anchored in the crevices that cause the masonry to collapse while the plant maintains its integrity.