Question: How winter-hardy is Algerian ivy? I’ve seen it in nurseries, and I know it’s popular in California.

Answer: It’s listed as hardy to Zone 9, meaning you’d better confine its use along the Gulf Coast and South Texas. It freezes in severe winters in College Station and Austin, to be certain. Persian ivy (Hedera colchica) has similarly large leaves, but far superior winter durability. Both have troubles with waterlogged soils during periods of heavy and extended rainfall.