How to grow Parthenocissus quinquefolia. (Virginia creeper) and Parthenocissus tricuspidata (boston ivy)

Update: After writing this post I went for another walk by the hotel to admire the vines and realized that even though one of the 3 vines growing on the building is indeed virginia creeper the one seen in the photo is in fact boston ivy

Parthenocissus quinquefolia is a rampant, woody vine. It is grown mainly for the beautiful, bright red colour its leaves turn in the fall. The vine is often grown on the side of a building like the one growing all over the walls of the Empress hotel in Victoria, see photo. The vine growing on the walls of the Empress hotel in Victoria is Parthenocissus tricuspidata or boston ivy. Both vines would look great grown on an arched trellis or even as a ground cover.

Hardiness

The vine is incredibly hardy, growing well in zone three here in Prince George. I have also spotted it growing in sheltered gardens in Dawson Creek, zone 2. Victoria, the mildest city in Canada, is in zone 8.

Profile

Its characteristic, compound, green leaves are composed of five leaflets with toothed margins. The vine clambers over its support using adhesive discs rather than penetrating roots. The discs stick to the surface of the support rather than burrowing in to it, making the plant ideal for covering walls since it won’t destroy them. Parthenocissus tricuspidata is similar except single each leaf has from 3 to 5 lobes.

How To Grow

Parthenocissus quinquefolia grows almost anywhere. It tolerates full sun to full shade and likes wet or dry soil. The best way to obtain a plant is to get a cutting from a friend. Because Parthenocissus quinquefolia and Parthenocissus tricuspidata are so easy to grow they have a tendency to beome invasive. Carefully pulling the vines off the walls and cutting back their excess growth is the best way to keep them under control.