Virginia Creeper

(American Ivy, Five Leaved Ivy)

Parthenocissus quinquefolia "Engelmannii"

 

 

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Climbing Plants - Summary

 

 

 

 

 

Virginia Creeper

 

 

 

 

Fruit of Parthenocissus quinqefolia

It can be assumed that the common German name "virgin grape" has been derived from the blue, apparently not fertilised, inedible berries.

 

 

Reddish coloured young shoot, old woody tendril with adhesive pads.

 

 

 

 

The Virginia Creeper is a moderate to good self-clinging vine and is well-known for its beautiful leaf form and autumn colouring. The species originates from North America and is amongst the most popular climbing plants.

 

Requirements

Sunny (full sun) to (semi-)shaded Position, will develop more beautiful autumn colours in the sun.

 

Growth Habit and Leaves

A vine that has both tendrils and adhesive pads, vigorous growth, yearly shoot growth 1 - 3 metres, often cascading. Depending on variety, reddish young shoots and large, strong, smooth or filigree leaves ("Engelmannii").  Often the closely related "P. inserta" is available under the name of P. quinquefolia, which does not stick to walls. Exceptionally healthy foliage, and extremely frost hardy. Foliage from May to October. Intense autumn colour! Can cause building damages.

 

Flower and Fruit

The inconspicuous green-yellow flowers in early summer are followed by blue-black berries on decorative red stalks. They are a favourite bird food, resulting in strongly staining faeces.

 

Growth Support Systems

Additional support to attach plant and to prevent collapsing is recommended. For suitable growth support systems see below.  Light, for optimal development also Medium Support Systems and Heavy Duty Support Systems.

 

Pruning

Summer and winter pruning as needed, to restrain the vigorous growth habit. The plants are very easily shaped into any form.

 

 

 

Parthenocissus quinqefolia - facade greening

Parthenocissus quinqefolia on the City Hall of Quedlinburg / Sachsen-Anhalt

 

Historical growth support, horizontal wires as prevention from collapsing. Detail see above, autumn image.

 

 

 

 

Parthenocissus quinqefolia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here the plants have already climbed to a height of approx. 25 metres.

 

Where the Virginia Creeper grows in a self-clinging manner, it develops a steeper and more narrow growth than the Boston Ivy.

 

Autumn colouring on the same specimen

 

 

IIn the shade the foliage develops a stronger yellow colour

 

Bauschaden

The Virginia Creeper can develop quite strong adhesive pads and cause building damages.

 

 

 

 

Suitable growth support systems for Virginia Creeper (Guiding Supports and Prevention from Collapse)

Please click on the graphic illustrations !

 

 

 

 

 

 = suitable

 

 = limited suitability

 

 = not suitable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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