Parthenocissus Tricuspidata Veitchii - Boston Ivy

Boston Ivy aka Japanese Creeper is formally known as Parthenocissus Tricuspidata Veitchii is a fast growing climber related to Virginia Creeper. Bright green leaves appear in the spring changing to on a stunning show in the Autumn and early winter when the leaves turn a beautiful range of yellow, bronze and deep red. Often grown over pergolas, arbours or walls this is a self clinging climber so needs little support. Our Boston Ivy plants are well established tall amd mature plants. We also have Parthenocissus Red Wall as a climber with vibrant red autumn foliage.

Within 5 to 10 years, the vigorous Parthenocissus Tricuspidata Veitchii grows to a height of approximately 12 metres and a width of 8 metres. A deciduous vine, it depends on either tendrils or disc-like suckers to climb across and up virtually any surface. It can be pruned hard to maintain its overall size and shape.

Bright green ovate-shaped leaves appear in the spring to form a dense blanket across the vine’s expanse. It produces inconspicuous greenish-white flowers during the summer months that turn into small bluish-black berries that are virtually hidden by the  abundant foliage. The tiny berries are a favourite food source for a wide variety of birds and other woodland creatures. 

During the autumn, Boston Ivy foliage changes to brilliant crimson, bronze and reddish hues. The colours often persist into the early winter months. In warmer climates, the vine grows as a semi-evergreen.

Boston Ivy is a relatively carefree vine that thrives in full sun, partial shade or even shady locations. For optimum autumn colours the vine should be planted in partial shade. It grows good in any well-draining soil and will even grow in heavy clay. During the first year after planting, keep the soil evenly moist so it can quickly grow a diverse root system. Once established, the tough vine can withstand brief periods of drought.

Native to China and Japan, Boston Ivy has become a popular vine choice around the world in a wide variety of landscapes because it requires virtually no care to flourish. In the United States, Boston Ivy has historically been a favourite vine choice to grow up the walls of large universities and is why the term ‘Ivy League’ became a popular moniker to distinguish the prestigious schools in the Northeastern region of the country.

Its dense growth pattern also makes it an ideal vine for erosion control. Parthenocissus Tricuspidata Veitchii is a favourite vine of naturalizing. It looks fantastic in a formal landscape, woodland setting or cottage garden.