Boston Ivy
(Veitchii Boston Ivy, Japanese Creeper, Japanese Ivy)
Parthenocissus tricuspidata "Veitchii"
Japanese Creeper soon after proliferation, still in the typical light green colour
Waagerechtes Gesims als Wuchsbremse
Here, regular pruning gives the Boston Ivy a clear boundary. Without it the plant would quickly conquer the roof!
If Boston Ivy reaches the roof, then every year at least, a one metre wide strip should be cut free, which is best done while without foliage. If that is not enough, then a summer cut will also be required. Such work is not only time and energy consuming, it is also expensive, especially if a lifting platform has to be used. That's why many house owners have decided to remove their green "furs" again....
Pruning should be repeated every year, because the area cut free will be overgrown in no time again, and the plant will try yet again to get into the eave gutters.
Boston Ivy climbs with extremely efficient adhesive pads, hence in Austria, the plant is also called "wall cat"...
Defoliation occurs in two stages: first the leaves and then the stalks.
The Boston Ivy Vine or Japanese Creeper, a self-clinging climber, covers extensive areas quickly. The fact that it does not require growth supports and its striking red autumn colouring make it such a popular climber. Apart from the English Ivy, it is the "German's favourite child" for façade greening.
Requirements
Sunny (full sun) to (semi-)shaded Position, will develop more beautiful autumn colours in the sun.
Growth and Leaves
A vine with adhesive pads that cling onto nearly every surface. Yearly growth 1 - 2 metres. Foliage from May to October.
Flower and Fruit
Inconspicuous, tiny green-yellow flowers in early summer, then small blue-black berries, after defoliation, favourite bird food.
Growth Support Systems
The Boston Ivy, unlike other "wild grapes" usually has no need for any growth supports. However, in some cases and especially on wind-exposed walls, rope systems (see below) as Light or Medium Support Systems to prevent collapsing may be required. In cases of very tall walls, Heavy Duty Support Systems may be required. In very old specimens, the stem structure may need to be attached as per rope system 1010.
Pruning
Summer pruning as needed, to restrain the vigorous growth habit, winter pruning as illustrated and described in photos.
Further Notes
Boston Ivy can cause significant damage to buildings! In parts the plant grows in a light-shunning way, and, as the shoots increase their stem girth, can blast apart building elements, block roller-shutter boxes and lift roof shingles. Insufficient removal of foliage may also block roof gutters. A frequently asked question during the restoration of a façade is how to deal with the remaining adhesive roots of torn-off plants: the only solution is to burn them off / torch them and then repaint the wall!
Boston Ivy, Quedlinburg / Sa.-Anhalt
This green façade is particularly charming because the wall is not completely overgrown. Only regular maintenance and pruning will maintain this appearance.
Gera / Thueringen: A Japanese Ivy, obviously re-attached after the restoration of the façade. Here, too, complete cover of the wall can only be prevented with constant care.
Halberstadt / Sachsen-Anhalt: Again, a pleading that the complete greening of a wall, especially a wall with a strong architectural statement, is prevented. This combination would be more charming if more of the yellow wall would show...
Young, pendulous shoot, the adhesive pads already emerging at the ends of the heavily forked tendrils.
Beginning autumn colouring
Full autumn colouring
Berlin, Prussian State Library, the lower wall areas are more in the shade, hence the foliage has a more yellow autumn colour.
People often see the appearance in winter as a problem...
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Parthenocissus tricuspidata kept in shape by summer pruning |
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Wall greening with Parthenocissus tricuspidata |
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Leipzig / Sachsen, University Clinic: Greening on such a massive scale is of course an ideal climbing paradise for insects (spiders!), mice (yes, indeed) and habitat for sparrows chirping away all day. An aspect that deserves thorough consideration... Still, this is not the only clinic in Germany which has been greened with Boston Ivy. |
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Contrary to this photo, Boston Ivy on walls does not require growth supports such as trellises, ropes etc; at the most a few horizontal ropes may be required to prevent the plant from collapsing, especially on very tall walls. |
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At times, entire leaf mats of Boston Ivy may tear off due to rain (increased weight) and wind. Here, protection with horizontal wire ropes can prevent this from happening. |
