About
A vigorous, half-hardy, self-clinging climber bearing dark green leaves composed of three sharply-pointed, finely-toothed leaflets with deeply impressed veins; the leaves turn crimson in autumn. Inconspicuous flowers are followed by clusters of small, spherical, blue-black fruit.
About the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesWalls, fences, pergolas, arches.
Native toHimalayas to China & SE Asia
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
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright, indirect light. Water freely in the growing season and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly, water moderately in winter. Outdoors grow in moist but well-drained, fertile soil in a sunny or lightly shaded position
PruningSee pruning group 11, in early winter and if necessary also in summer
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or hardwood cuttings in winter. See propagate from cuttings (climbers) for futher information
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus