Parthenocissus tricuspidata

Boston Ivy

Parthenocissus tricuspidata is a vigorous deciduous woody climbing vine known for glossy green, mostly three-lobed leaves that turn brilliant shades of red, burgundy, orange, and purple in fall. Small greenish-white flowers appear in late spring to early summer but are usually hidden by the foliage. These are followed by blue-black berries that are ornamental and valuable to birds but not edible for people. Boston ivy climbs by tendrils with adhesive disks, allowing it to cling tightly to brick, stone, wood, fences, trellises, and walls without tying.

Type: Deciduous woody vine
Mature Size: 30–50 ft. tall/long or more; spread depends on support and pruning.
USDA Zones: 4a–8b; some sources list a wider range of 3a–9b depending on cultivar and site.
Form: Fast-growing, self-clinging, climbing or trailing vine
Light: Full sun to part shade; best fall color usually develops with more sun
Soil / Water: Average, well-drained soil; adaptable once established; water regularly during establishment, then average moisture is usually sufficient
Bloom Time / Length: Late spring to early summer; flowers are small and not highly ornamental.
Wildlife: Blue-black berries are eaten by birds; dense growth can provide cover.

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for covering large walls, brick or stone structures, fences, pergolas, arbors, slopes, banks, and large naturalized areas where fast coverage and strong fall color are desired. It is especially valued for turning buildings and walls into dramatic red-orange fall displays. Use with care on painted surfaces, wood siding, shingles, gutters, or delicate masonry, because the adhesive disks can cling tightly and may cause damage or leave marks if removed.

Care:
Plant where it has room to grow and prune annually to keep it away from windows, gutters, rooflines, vents, and nearby trees or shrubs. Pruning is usually best in late winter to early spring, with touch-up trimming during the growing season as needed. Avoid letting it grow under siding or into cracks. Once established, it is tough and relatively low-maintenance.

Trademark / Patent:

Plant type

Vine

Height

50'

Width

30'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Late Spring, Spring

Leaf color

Green

Fruit color

Tyrian Purple

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Highly Adaptable, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Trellis

Shape

Climbing

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

No