Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Virginia creeper
P. quinquefolia is a vigorous large deciduous climber. Leaves with five ovate leaflets, turning bright red and orange in autumn. Flowers inconspicuous; berries blue-black
Other common names
American ivyAmerican woodbine
see morefalse grape
five-leaved ivy
five-leaves
true Virginia creeper
wild wood vine
woodbine
false Virginia creeper
Synonyms
Ampelopsis hederaceaParthenocissus inserta misapplied
see moreVitis quinquefolia
Ampelopsis quinquefolia
Vitis hederacea
Cissus mexicana DC.
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Orange Red | Black Blue | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Vitaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Parthenocissus are vigorous deciduous climbers with either tendrils or disk-like suckers, and lobed or palmate leaves which often colour brilliantly in autumn. Inconspicuous green flowers are sometimes followed by attractive blue or black berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Eastern N America
How to grow
Cultivation
This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act as an invasive non-native species. While this does not prevent it from being sold in the UK, or from being grown in gardens, the RHS encourages those that do grow it to take great care with managing it and with disposing of unwanted material. The RHS also encourages gardeners to find alternative plants to grow to those listed on Schedule 9. For suggested alternative plants see the Plantlife/RHS guide: Gardening without harmful invasive plants
Propagation
See cultivation notes
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 11 in early winter, can also be cut back in summer if need be
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and vine weevil
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.