The Spruce / Autumn Wood
The Virginia creeper vine sports gorgeous fall foliage.
A close relative ofBoston ivy, the fast-growing Virginia creeper can be planted in spring or fall.
A plant that spreads out of control where it is native is said to be “aggressive” instead.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
It is a vigorous grower and may get out of hand if not kept in check with equal vigor.
At the southern end of its range, giving itpartial shadeis not such a bad idea, though.
A suggested location is on a wall facing east or west.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
Soil
Grow Virginia creeper in well-drained soil.
It will grow well in a variety of soil types, including clay, sand, and loam.
Virginia creeper can also tolerate a range of soil acidity and alkalinity.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
Once the vine is established, it only needs occasional deep watering.
If there is extreme heat, you may need to water it more frequently.
The plant should survive down to temperatures of -10 degrees Fahrenheit when dormant in winter.
Marianne Windisch / EyeEm/ Getty Images
It can be damaged by a late frost after spring growth has started.
Sprinkle granular fertilizer on the soil.
you’ve got the option to prune the vine back to its base if needed.
Though Virginia creeper offers beautiful foliage, it is not a good plant choice if you seeklow-maintenance landscaping.
The sticky, disk-like appendages on its tendrils adhere to wall siding, making it difficult to remove.
Virginia creeper will climb trees and cast shade on their leaves, thus depriving them of needed sunlight.
Don’t allow it to grow onspecimen trees.
Instead, train it ontogarden arbors,pergolas, orfences.
Propagating Virginia Creeper
Virginia creeper grows quickly and takes very well to propagating from cuttings.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Many pests consider Virginia creeper a tasty treat, including caterpillars.
Pick off the caterpillars and drop them into soapy water.
Common Problems with Virginia Creeper
The biggest problems with Virginia creeper come from misunderstandings about the plant.
Some folks dislike its aggressive growth habits and are intent on killing Virginia creeper.
Virginia creeper propagates very easily and grows quickly.
This means a plant can continue growing for many years.
Virginia creeper has five leaves on a stem.
Virginia creeper vines will attach themselves aggressively to a fence and also grow between the cracks and crevices.
This fast growth may affect the structural integrity of a fence.
Keep the vines on a fence pruned to avoid problems.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia.NC State Extension.
Virginia Creeper and Wisteria Toxicity.National Capital Poison Center.
Leaf Cutting Bees ‘Love’ Redbuds and More.The Ohio State University,
Weed of the Month: Virginia Creeper.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension.
