About
Parthenocissus henryana, the Chinese Virginia creeper, is a large, vigorous, deciduous climber with dark, velvety-green or bronze-tinged leaves of 3�5 leaflets with striking silvery venation in shade. Small, dark-blue berries appear among reddening foliage in autumn. One of the most beautiful of all climbing plants for a shaded wall.
About the genus
Parthenocissus are vigorous, deciduous climbers with either tendrils or disc-like adhesive pads and lobed or palmate leaves that colour brilliantly in autumn. Excellent plants for covering walls, fences and large trees.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesWalls, fences, pergolas, arches.
Native toAsia
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin irritant - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationFor the best autumn colour, site in partial shade or full sun. It thrives in any fertile, well-drained soil
PruningPruning group 11 in early winter, can also be cut back in summer if need be
PropagationPropagate by layering or hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus