Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Robusta'

RHS Plant Profile

Boston ivy 'Robusta'

Climber Wall Shrub

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A vigorous, deciduous, self-clinging climber, with large, 3-lobed leaves to 25cm across. In autumn the leaves turn dark red and purple

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 4-8 metres
Max Height: 8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H5

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Vitaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Climbing
Potentially harmful: Harmful if eatenskin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eatenskin irritant - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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: Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any fertile, well-drained soil in sun or shade. Young plants may require support initially

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Take softwood cuttings in early summer, semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or hardwood cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Wildlife gardens
Climber and wall shrubs
Wall side borders

Pruning

See pruning group 11, in early winter and if necessary also in summer

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and vine weevil

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus