Some very common plants or 'garden workhorses' can look special when clipped and pruned into interesting shapes. A good example is Hedera canariensis, a species of ivy native to Tunisia and Algeria. Plant details

Common name: Canary Island ivy

Botanic name: Hedera canariensis

Description: A vigorous, evergreen, woody-stemmed climber, which supports itself by means of aerial roots. It has large, 3-lobed leaves. The stems and new growth are covered in small reddish hairs. 'Variegata' is a variety with green and grey leaves edged in creamy white.

Best climate: This plant grows well in most areas of Australia, and is used extensively all over the world as a groundcover. On a recent trip to Paris we saw it growing over the walls next to the Seine.

Uses: groundcover climber, particularly to cover walls and fences garden borders hanging baskets indoor plants topiary

Good points: easily clipped and trimmed to shape attractive foliage, with variegated varieties available useful in many different garden situations 'unkillable'

Downside: Ivies are very vigorous plants, which must be controlled by regular pruning. Pruning is also necessary to encourage attractive juvenile leaves and suppress mature, shrubby growth and berries. Once attached to a masonry wall the clinging roots are difficult to remove. After removal unsightly marks will be left on the wall. If left unpruned ivies will climb any nearby structure including tree trunks. Once they climb trees they cause problems by blocking the light and inhibiting photosynthesis, weighing down the canopy so that branches may break, and providing dark, damp conditions where fungus can grow and insects can hide.

Care: Ivy is very hardy. Although it prefers moist, rich soil it will tolerate poor soils, pollution and dry conditions. Ivy will grow in full sun, but does best in part shade (the foliage of variegated varieties will revert to green if grown in shade). Prune in late winter to control growth and maintain juvenile foliage.

Getting started:

Canary Island ivy is available at nurseries, but can easily be grown from cuttings or from rooted stems. There are also variegated forms.

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