Crossword Genius

Ivy for one always the ingenue? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

evergreen

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'ivy' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'one always the ingenue?' is the wordplay.
'one always' becomes 'ever' (I've seen this in another clue).
'the ingenue?' becomes 'green' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'ever'+'green'='EVERGREEN'

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for evergreen that I've seen before include "Non-deciduous tree - always immature?" , "box, perhaps" , "Leaves of holly and ivy are --" , "pine maybe" , "Always popular" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app