[gobrien]

Originally from Ireland. I've just moved back (to Ashbourne) after 11 years in Houston, Texas. One of the most common ways to cover bare concrete block walls in Houston is to use Fig Ivy Ficus Pumila. One of the things I particularly like about it is that it will grow tight to the wall and shapes well with trimming. It is somewhat vigorous and does require trimming.

It seems that Ireland lies largely in hardiness zones 8 and 9 and this plant handles zones 8-10 but I haven't seen it here. Has anyone come across it? What is a comparable alternative, i.e. vigorous evergreen ivy, preferably small leaved that will grow directly on concrete wall?

Thanks,

Gareth.

[GarethAustin]

I've never had Fig ivy offered to me before.

For small leaved ivy how about Hedera Goldheart, great colour all year, self clinging.

[Sb]

I'd say it would grow ok in this country. After all i've seen a few of examples of the edible fig wall plant, although on sunny walls. You could try the good old Irish ivy (Hedera hibernica). Just like the your climbing fig it is evergreen, somewhat vigorous and does require regular trimming.