Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Boston Ivy)

Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Boston Ivy) is a very vigorous, fast-growing, deciduous climber boasting mostly ovate or three-lobed, rich lustrous deep green leaves, 8 in. wide (20 cm), turning brilliant shades of burgundy, orange and wine-red in the fall. Usually hidden by the foliage, greenish-white flowers appear in the upper leaf axils in late spring to early summer. They give way to round, fleshy, blue-black berries, visible only after the leaves have fallen and if the birds have not devoured them. Although native to Asia, this ivy has been widely planted in the U.S. It covers the walls of many college and university buildings, giving rise in the Northeast to the name Ivy League. Semi-evergreen in mild winter areas.

Boston Ivy can be used as a climbing vine or ground cover, its leaves carpeting any surface in luxuriant green before turning spectacular colors in the fall. However, site this plant carefully. Its tendrils end in adhesive-like tips, making this vine able to cement itself to walls and making it difficult to remove. Although the tendrils don’t penetrate and damage the walls themselves, it is almost impossible to dislodge them from the walls without taking some of the walls with them.

• May grow up to 30-50 ft. tall (9-15 m) and 5-10 ft. wide (1-3 m).
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. This plant is not fussy about soils and tolerates a wide range of conditions. Tolerates full shade, but the best fall color typically occurs in sunny locations. Drought tolerant.
• This Asian native is a wonderfully tough, almost indestructible vine for walls and buildings, large trellises, arbors, or fences. Effective as a ground cover to disguise tree stumps, rock piles, and other eyesores, or for erosion control on slopes. Don’t allow it to climb on trees as it would cast shade on their leaves, thus depriving them of the sunlight they need.
• Easy to grow, this vigorous grower may get out of hand if not kept in check. It has to be trimmed regularly to keep it in bounds.
• Virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for glasshouse red spider mite and vine weevil. Deer resistant.
• Propagate by layering or hardwood cuttings.
• Native to China, Japan.