Gloire de Marengo Algerian Ivy Plants

• Variety: Gloire de Marengo – big, bold, variegated, and evergreen
• Latin name: Hedera algeriensis 'Gloire de Marengo'
• Type: Evergreen self-clinging climber
• Foliage: Large, glossy leaves; dark green with broad cream margins
• Climbing method: Self-clinging – aerial roots (no support needed on walls)
• Height: To 4m (13ft)
• Hardiness: H4 – sheltered wall recommended; happy near the coast
• RHS AGM: Yes (confirmed December 2024)
• Sold as: P9 and 3L deep pots, grown from cuttings by us. Peat-free compost
• Plant outdoors: Year-round
• Delivered: March–November typically. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Gloire de Marengo – The Variegated Ivy That Earns Its Place

Most people underestimate ivy. Gloire de Marengo is the one that changes their mind. The leaves are large, glossy, and handsomely variegated in dark green and cream, the brightest of the variegated ivies and handsome on any wall. It is evergreen, self-clinging, and once established it covers ground quickly without asking for attention. It originates from the Atlantic coast of North Africa and the Canary Islands (it is also sold as Hedera canariensis), and it holds an RHS Award of Garden Merit.

This is a plant with a particular talent for covering things. Give it a couple of years to get going and it will disappear an ugly concrete outbuilding, screen a breeze-block wall, or fill a dark corner with foliage that actually looks good. It reaches about 4m, which is more modest than common green ivy and rather more manageable. The variegation shows well even in shade. Small black berries follow fairly insignificant flowers in autumn; the flowers are good for late-season bees and the berries feed birds through winter. It comes from the Mediterranean, so in the southern half of the country and in sheltered spots further north it is completely at home. It grows well along the west coast of Scotland and, like many ivies, is happy near the sea. In colder inland areas where hard frosts are routine, Sulphur Heart is the safer choice.

The Wall Damage Question

Ivies do not damage just any wall. They utterly ruin walls in a bad state of repair, getting into crumbling mortar and loose pointing and making the problem very much worse. So if your wall has not been repointed in the last fifty years and you were hoping to hide that fact, ivy will not be your friend. But if you have a wall in good repair, ivies can stay in place for decades without doing any damage at all, and Gloire de Marengo is prominent amongst those. Its aerial roots grip the surface but do not penetrate sound masonry. For the full explanation, see our guide to whether climbing plants damage walls.

Companion Planting Against an Evergreen Backdrop

The great advantage of an ivy-covered wall is that it provides a permanent green (and cream) backdrop for other plants. A deciduous clematis planted alongside looks superb flowering against the variegated foliage: Étoile Violette (dark purple, July to September) or Polish Spirit gives rich colour against the cream and green. For another evergreen alongside, Sulphur Heart ivy has golden-centred leaves that contrast well with Gloire de Marengo's cream edges. At ground level, shade-tolerant perennials like hostas and ferns complete the picture.

Why Choose Ashridge Climbers?

All our ivies are raised from cuttings taken from our own stock plants. Ivies are among the easiest climbers to propagate and the plants establish quickly. We grow in peat-free compost with biological pest controls, and every member of the Ashridge team plays a part in climber production. We are a Which? Gardening Best Buy supplier and a Feefo Platinum Partner. Every plant is guaranteed. Browse the full ivy range or our complete selection of climbing plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Gloire de Marengo ivy damage my wall?

Not if the wall is in good condition. On sound masonry with intact pointing, ivy can remain in place for decades without causing harm. On a wall with crumbling mortar, loose render, or deteriorating brickwork, the aerial roots will exploit the weakness and accelerate the decay. Check your wall first. If you are uncertain, see our guide on climbing plants and wall damage.

Is Gloire de Marengo evergreen?

Yes. It keeps its leaves year-round, which is one of its main advantages as a wall covering. The variegation remains attractive through winter, though the cream areas may take on a slightly pink flush in cold weather.

How do I get Gloire de Marengo to start climbing?

Plant it at the base of the wall and lean the stems against the surface. In the first few months you may need to guide it with temporary ties or short canes, but once the aerial roots make contact with the wall it will cling on its own. No permanent support structure is needed. On a painted surface, bear in mind that the aerial roots will leave marks if the plant is ever removed.

How quickly does Gloire de Marengo grow?

Slowly in its first year while it establishes, then with increasing speed. Expect it to cover a 2m-wide wall section within three to four years. It is less vigorous than common green ivy (Hedera helix), which is an advantage if you want something manageable rather than rampant.

Is ivy good or bad for wildlife?

Very good. Ivy is one of the most valuable wildlife plants in a British garden. It provides dense nesting cover for birds, sheltered hibernation sites for insects, late-season nectar for bees and butterflies (the flowers open in autumn when little else is available), and winter berries for thrushes, blackbirds, and redwings. Planting an ivy is one of the best things you can do for garden biodiversity.