Parthenocissus

( par - then - oh - SISS - uss )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of deciduous vines includes species which need moderate water and can be grown in either sun or shade in the landscape. Berries will attract birds to the garden. The foliage is usually green and turns shades of orange and red in autumn. Fruits are blackish blue and are produced after insignificant flowers fade. These vines climb via discs that suction themselves to walls and other structures and can cause damage to wood and mortar. Use Virginia Creeper for vertical gardening, privacy screening, or erosion control on sloped areas of the landscape. Take care when planting these vines in the garden, as berries are toxic if ingested by humans or pets, and the sap can cause skin irritation upon contact.

Parthenocissus Species and Varietals

The genus Parthenocissus includes 12 species and is a member of the plant family Vitaceae. Plants in this genus are closely related to those in Vitis (Grape), Ampelopsis (Porcelain Berry), and Cissus (Treebine). The best growing zones for Parthenocissus vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Parthenocissus henryana (Silver Vein Creeper, Chinese Virginia-Creeper)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 6-9 or Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-17 and is native to China. It reaches 20 feet and has purple new foliage that ages to green with pronounced silver veining and purple undersides. Best color in shaded areas. Foliage will turn red in fall. Needs some support when young to get started, but otherwise does not need additional support. Can be used as a small scale groundcover, and looks great when allowed to spill over walls. Stems reach up to 33 feet long.

Parthenocissus inserta (Thicket Creeper, Woodbine, False Virginia Creeper, Grape Woodbine)
This species grows in USDA hardiness zones 3a-9b or Sunset growing zones 1-24 and is native to the Rocky Mountains and the areas east of there. This is a scrambling vine, not a climbing one, and produces stems that can reach up to 66 feet long. Leaves are palmately compound and green. This species is considered invasive in Louisiana and other regions of the northeastern United States as well as Europe.

Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia Creeper)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-10 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3 and 1-24 and is native to the eastern United States. It is a vigorous grower that climbs or runs along the ground. Leaves have five lobes and are tinted with bronze tones when young. Great for a sloped-area groundcover. Varieties include 'Star Showers' (pictured; with white leaves that blush pink in fall) and Parthenocissus quinquefolia engelmannii (a denser choice that has smaller leaves than the species).

Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Boston Ivy, Grape Ivy, Japanese Ivy, Japanese Creeper, Woodbine)
This vine, native to China and Japan, grows well in zones 1-24 and is semi-evergreen in areas where winters are mild. Foliage is green and glossy with bronze tones when new. Fall color is brilliant, and ranges from orange to deep red. Creates a uniform wall cover. This is the ivy known for growing on brick buildings across the Ivy League schools along the East Coast of the United States. Varieties include 'Green Showers' (with large leaves that turn burgundy in autumn), 'Lowii' and 'Veitchii' (both with smaller leaves on less vigorous plants).

Caring for Parthenocissus

Take care when planting these vines in the garden, as berries are toxic if ingested by humans or pets, and the sap can cause skin irritation upon contact. Before planting, make sure that the structure the vine will grow on is hardy enough to stand the vine's attachments, which can cause damage to wood, brick, stone, and stucco. It is recommended to install sturdy wire grids, trellis panels, or heavy duty netting to allow the vine to grip safely. Plant these easy-to-grow vines in an area that receives full sun to partial shade. Plant where these vines will have adequate room to grow. They prefer well-draining soil with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic). If local soils are compacted, do not drain well, or are particularly poor in nutrients, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic matter or compost before installing. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant after installation, ensuring that mulch stays at least a few inches away from the stems. This will increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and maintain a constant soil temperature.

Keep the soil moist while plants establish a strong root system; mature plants are considered somewhat drought-tolerant, but they do appreciate consistent moisture during the growth and flowering season. Foliage can be trimmed back at any time of the year to control growth and remove dead, damaged and diseased stems and leaves. Doing so will keep the plant at its healthiest form. Pinch young plants to encourage a bushy habit to form. Fertilize plants yearly for the best show of blooms with a dressing of organic compost applied around the base of the vine. Work the compost into the soil a bit, and then replace the mulch around the base. These vines have a typical lifespan of between 35 and 50 years before needing to be replaced.

Propagation

Although these vines can be propagated through cuttings as well as via seed, propagation by cutting is so simple and straightforward (and successful) that cutting is a better option in most cases. To propagate your Virginia Creeper vine, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Parthenocissus by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Problems and Pests

Certain Parthenocissus species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Parthenocissus plants can suffer from the following pests and diseases in home gardens: