About
Hedera maroccana, the Moroccan ivy, is a vigorous, evergreen climber to around 5 m with bright-red leaf stalks bearing glossy, pale to mid-green, three- to five-lobed, broadly elliptic leaves to 12 cm across. Small, greenish flowers appear from late summer to late winter, followed by globular, black fruits. An ornamental and striking ivy for a sheltered wall.
About the genus
Hedera, the ivies, are evergreen climbing shrubs that cling by aerial roots, producing two distinct forms of foliage on juvenile and adult growth. Clusters of small, yellow-green flowers are followed by black berries. Versatile and adaptable plants for ground cover, walls and topiary in sun or shade.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toMorocco
ToxicityHarmful if eaten: skin irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten, skin irritant/allergen. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationTolerant of a range of soils and conditions but grows best in fertile, humus-rich well-drained alkaline soil in a sheltered spot. See Hedera (ivy) cultivation
PruningPruning group 11, at any time
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings at any time, semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings from late summer to late winter, layering or grafting at any time
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to red spider mites, scale insects and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and a leaf spot