Consulta Plantas

Care of the climbing plant Parthenocissus quinquefolia or Virginia creeper

The genus Parthenocissus, family Vitaceae, comprises 12 species of climbing shrubs native to North America and eastern Asia. Some species are: Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Parthenocissus inserta, Parthenocissus tricuspidata, Parthenocissus semicordata, Parthenocissus henryana, Parthenocissus himalayana.

Common names: Virginia creeper, Victoria creeper, Five-leaved ivy. This species is native to North America.

They are deciduous climbing shrubs with cylindrical branches and tendrils like suckers that reach 15 meters (49.2 feet) in height. They have leaves with 5 dark green petioled leaflets that turn a beautiful red color in autumn. The flowers are small and greenish yellow; they bloom in late spring and early summer. They produce bluish-black fruits.

This fast-growing plant is used to cover facades, walls and pergolas; it has tendrils that do not damage the walls. Virginia creeper is ideal for areas of the garden facing north or east.

Parthenocissus quinquefolia can grow in sun, semi-shade and shade exposures. It resists frost down to -15 ºC (5 ºF).

Five-leaved ivy prefers a soil that contains organic matter and is deep and slightly moist. Transplanting or planting is done between autumn and the following spring.

Water regularly so that the substrate is always slightly damp; wait until the substrate has almost dried.

Fertilize in winter with compost or manure and in spring with mineral fertilizer.

Prune only so that the plant produces more branches and to control its growth on facades.

Parthenocissus quinquefolia can be attacked by fungi (excessive moisture), mealybugs, mites and caterpillars.

Virginia creeper is propagated by tender cuttings in late summer or by woody cuttings in early spring.

Images of the climbing plant Parthenocissus quinquefolia or Virginia creeper