Virginia Creeper Plant Care: How to Grow Virginia Creeper

Virginia creeper is the common name for Parthenocissus quinquefolia, a type of deciduous climbing vine renowned for its fall colors and its ability to grow along building walls without damaging them. Also known as five-leaved ivy, five-finger, and woodbine, the plant is a member of the grape family. It is a popular substitute for American ivy and Boston ivy due to its hardiness and rapid growth.

True to its name, Virginia creeper is a native plant to Virginia and surrounding states like North Carolina and Maryland. Its natural range includes all of eastern North America; it appears as far south as Mexico and Guatemala and as far northwest as Manitoba, Canada. It grows vigorously in USDA plant hardiness zones three to nine.

Virginia creeper is native to eastern North America, which means that it cannot, by definition, be considered invasive in that region. It does grow expansively, particularly in environments that receive full sun, and it clings to vertical surfaces using adhesive disks. These disks do not damage walls or trellises, but they can be difficult to remove.

Virginia creeper is not native to Europe, but it has been introduced there over time. The United Kingdom classifies it as a non-native invasive species. Despite this, the plant offers benefits to gardeners and homeowners. When used as a ground cover plant, it can provide erosion control. When grown along the side of a building, it can absorb heat and reduce utility bills.

Virginia creeper vines grow with ease throughout eastern North America. Consider the following factors before planting your own Virginia creeper vine.

1. 1. Sunlight: These vines can grow in a range of environments from full sun to part shade to full shade. Greater sun exposure will produce brighter foliage starting in early fall.
2. 2. Soil: Virginia creeper can grow in clay soil, loam, or sandy soil. For the best results, plant Virginia creeper plants in soil that drains well. This will help prevent root rot.
3. 3. Water: Virginia creepers do well under normal rain conditions in the eastern United States. They do need extra watering in their first year to establish roots. They cannot grow in the arid climates west of the Rocky Mountains unless they receive supplemental irrigation.
4. 4. Pruning: Virginia creeper produces leaves in groups of five. This distinguishes it from poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). These leaves can shade buildings when the plant grows up the side of a wall, but they can also form dense thickets that overtake other plants. You will need to regularly prune the plant or tie it to a trellis with twine to keep it from overrunning other parts of your garden.
5. 5. Pests: Virginia creeper can fall prey to common garden pests. For this reason, some cultivars have been bred to have a higher degree of pest resistance. They include ‘Engelmann's Ivy’ (P. quinquefolia var. engelmannii) and 'Monham' Virginia creeper (also known by the commercial name ‘Star Showers’).

Prune Virginia creeper vines as often as necessary regardless of the season. Like many vines, this species grows vigorously and will need frequent pruning to keep it contained. For the fastest regrowth, prune the plant with clean, sharp shears in the early spring season, during which time you can even cut it down all the way to its base. New growth will emerge by late spring, and the plant will rapidly expand over the course of the summer.

Virginia creeper leaves contain tiny calcium oxalate crystals called raphides, which can irritate the skin. The plant’s purplish or blue-black berries (which emerge in late summer) contain oxalic acid, which is mildly toxic to humans, though harmless to songbirds. Take care when handling this plant to avoid allergic reactions or illness.

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the MasterClass Annual Membership and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.