Overview
Parthenocissus quinquefolia is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Parthenocissus, part of the Vitaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around Higher than 12 metres tall and 4-8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Parthenocissus quinquefolia grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include climbers, ground cover and wall coverings. It is native to Alabama, Arkansas, Bahamas, Bermuda, Connecticut, Cuba, Delaware, District of Columbia, El Salvador, Florida, Georgia and Guatemala.
About
Parthenocissus quinquefolia, commonly known as Virginia creeper, woodbine, five-leaved ivy, or five-finger, is a species of flowering vine in the grape family Vitaceae. The species is native to eastern and central North America, with its range extending from south-eastern Canada and the eastern United States, west to Manitoba and Utah, and as far south as eastern Mexico and Guatemala. It has been introduced globally and is considered an invasive species to varying degrees in the European Union, the United Kingdom, China, Australia, and Cuba. Mature plants reach roughly Higher than 12 metres tall and 4-8 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and west-facing, east-facing, south-facing and north-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Parthenocissus quinquefolia
About the genus
Parthenocissus, is a genus of tendril climbing plants in the grape family, Vitaceae. It contains about 12 species native to the Himalaya, eastern Asia and North America. Several are grown for ornamental use, notably P.
Wikipedia contributors, "Parthenocissus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Parthenocissus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Parthenocissus
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, South-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Parthenocissus quinquefolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Climbers, Ground cover, Wall coverings
- Native to
- Alabama, Arkansas, Bahamas, Bermuda, Connecticut, Cuba, Delaware, District of Columbia, El Salvador, Florida, Georgia, Guatemala
- Toxicity
- Toxic to humans if ingested; berries contain oxalate crystals which can cause irritation and discomfort.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Parthenocissus quinquefolia
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to full shade. It is drought tolerant once established and can be invasive in some areas.
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to control growth and shape. Can be cut back hard to rejuvenate if necessary.
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Phytophthora root rot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Parthenocissus quinquefolia?
Prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to full shade. It is drought tolerant once established and can be invasive in some areas.
Where is the best place to plant Parthenocissus quinquefolia?
Parthenocissus quinquefolia prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Parthenocissus quinquefolia need?
Parthenocissus quinquefolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Parthenocissus quinquefolia?
Prune in late winter or early spring to control growth and shape. Can be cut back hard to rejuvenate if necessary.
How big does Parthenocissus quinquefolia grow?
Parthenocissus quinquefolia reaches a height of Higher than 12 metres and a spread of 4-8 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Parthenocissus quinquefolia hardy in the UK?
Parthenocissus quinquefolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Parthenocissus quinquefolia?
Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering.
Is Parthenocissus quinquefolia toxic?
Toxic to humans if ingested; berries contain oxalate crystals which can cause irritation and discomfort.