Summary
How to Grow and Control Virginia Creeper
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a vigorous climbing perennial vine with scarlet fall foliage and loose clusters of blue fruits. It thrives in full to part sun in medium moisture. It tolerates drought, clay soils, and urban conditions. It should be sited in areas where it will have room to expand and grow. The holdfasts (attachment structures) are small suction disks that are difficult to remove entirely. While it is not recommended for painted surfaces or shingle walls, it will climb trees with ease and does not negatively impact the health of the tree. Unlike english ivy (Hedera helix) which is evergreen, Virginia creeper is deciduous and doesn’t cause tree limb breakage from extra winter weight. Most mature Virginia creeper vines are thinner in diameter than mature English ivy vines. If there is no structure available to climb, it will spread by rhizome and stem propagules to form a groundcover. Its vigorous habit lends well to erosion control on slope plantings. Zones 3-9.
More Details
- Plant Type
perennial-vine - Sun/Shade Conditions
full-to-partial-sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
medium - Flowering Period
mid-to-late-summer - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
red - Fruit/Seed Color
blue
Additional Information
Missouri Botanical Garden, Illinois Wildflowers, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center