Virginia Creeper

Virginia Creeper is a deciduous climber native to eastern and central North America and south east Canada and as far south as Mexico and Guatamala.

It secures itself with suckered tendrils that cling to almost any surface and is grown for its intense autumn colour, its rapid growth and ability to hide structures.  The plant has the useful ability to turn an eyesore, like a concrete block wall, into an attractive feature. It is a powerful climber and can reach heights of 20-30m.  The flowers are insignificant, producing small, dark purple berries that are mildly poisonous to mammals but are a food source for birds. It is also able to grow along the ground, finding trees for support and killing them by depriving them of light.

Virginia Creeper

 

As a wall covering, unlike ivy which produces roots that breaks down stonework, Virginia creeper attaches itself to the surface with disks that do no damage.  Damage may occur if the plant is ripped from the wall and it is wiser to cut the vine at the root, the tendrils will die and lose their grip.

An excellent plant for hiding unsightly walls

 

How to grow Virginia Creeper

Any well drained non acid soil will do.  Plant in any position, remove unwanted growth in spring.

Propagation

Semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings.