Growing Virginia Creeper: Tips at a Glance
Virginia creeper is a deciduous vine that will climb up buildings just as easily as trees, attaching itself with aerial tendrils and adhesive pads. It does not damage mortar but its vigorous growth habit has earned it the dubious moniker of "invasive" in much of the world.
- Type Deciduous vine
- Lifespan Perennial
- USDA Zones 3-9
- Light Part shade
- Soil Well drained
- Growth Vigorous
- Design Tip Disguise a wall
- Beware Invasive in areas
- Peak Season Red in autumn
Virginia Creeper: A Field Guide
Virginia creeper is a climbing vine with a lot to recommend it if used properly in a landscape, as it will grow quickly to cover an unattractive wall and attaches itself with adhesive pads and aerial tendrils (instead of roots) and won’t damage a facade.
In autumn the five-lobed leaves of Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) turn a brilliant scarlet that’s similar to the rosy color of its cousin, Boston ivy.
Now for the bad news. A vigorous grower that quickly can reach a height of 50 feet, Virginia creeper can choke out less aggressive plants and even can overwhelm a tree canopy if the vine is not kept in check. “However, with a little care, it can be kept within a restricted area. Where its climbing ambitions have been frustrated—on the second floor—it hangs down in vines like a curtain,” writes our contributor Kendra Wilson.
Explore more ways to use perennial vines in a garden in 9 Ways to Create Curb Appeal with Flowering Vines and Climbers.
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