The first batch of Wyevale Nurseries’ new non-climbing ivy aimed at landscapers that was launched at Four Oaks Trade Show last autumn has sold out with more coming this spring (May 2023). Ten thousand pots of the versatile, easy to look after Hedera Algerian Bellecour®, which has no arborescent stage, and is exclusive to the commercial nursery, have sold so far this year.
Ian Wright, Commercial Sales Director at Wyevale Nurseries, explains: “Our first batch of Hedera Bellecour® has now been sold and delivered to customers and numbers are being bulked up as soon as cutting material allows. Potting has continued and the next batch will be available for delivery at the end of May. We’re very excited about this new ivy, which is exclusive to us this year. It’s a very special hedera that doesn’t climb, so is great as low maintenance groundcover.
“Hedera Algerian Bellecour® is particularly useful to amenity and commercial landscape contractors and architects, as it remains in a juvenile form so requires little to no care.
“It can green large areas in a carpet of evergreen foliage and is low maintenance. So, we’re certain it will be a huge hit with those looking for a commercial landscape solution.”
Discovered in the Bellecour district in Lyon, France, Hedera Algerian Bellecour® is a ground cover ivy that’s vigorous and resistant. Its large three-lobed leaves change from tender green in spring to dark green as winter approaches and it’s perfectly suited to the base of trees and in large beds.
“More than 10 million plants have already been sold on the continent, primarily as an alternative to grass, as Bellecour® requires a lot less maintenance, just trimmed to the path/road edge once or twice a year, depending on the situation. It’s ideal for local authorities to use on roadsides, especially busy, high-speed roads where grass mowing regularly is difficult due to safety. It’s also excellent on steep slopes as a soil stabiliser and for areas where it is too dry to retain healthy looking grass.
“It’s evergreen, hardy to -20°C, very glossy, non-flowering, non-climbing, weed suppressant, low maintenance, requires infrequent pruning and is drought resistant. It reduces soil erosion, noise pollution, surface water, air pollution and heat island effect, which means it doesn’t increase heat in urban areas.”