HEDERA helix “Gloire de Marengo”

Decorative variety of Hedera helix, rustic and vigorous, perennial and evergreen, with a rapid development and climbing habit, or in some cases ground cover, native to North Africa: it can extend practically indefinitely and cover large areas in a short time. large surfaces both vertically and horizontally, reaching even more than 15 m in height. Branched at the base, it has long stems, lignified at the bottom and herbaceous in the apical part, with minute adventitious roots that allow them to adhere to any surface: along they are arranged, alternately and carried by short petioles, large, thin leaves lobed, shiny, dark green edged or spotted with creamy white. In autumn it is covered with spherical umbrellas composed of minute five-lobed greenish-white flowers, intensely perfumed and irresistible attraction for various insects: then In winter small spherical black fruits ripen, gathered in clusters with long peduncles, precious winter food for the birds.

Suitable to any type of soil and exposure, it tolerates the proximity of the sea with its salty winds as well as periods of even prolonged drought. The resistance to the rigors of winter is also very remarkable. It does not require special interventions; sometimes in late autumn it may be convenient to perform a shortening pruning of the branches to contain their exuberant development and at the same time to stimulate a thicker growth. suitable to growing on terraces, balconies, verandas and hanging gardens in general as long as they are in large containers, it is certainly in the ground that finds maximum use and expression for covering walls, fences, backrests or gazebos and pergolas, but sometimes also for wallpapering embankments and sloping areas or the foot of large tree species.