BBC Gardeners' World

Plant details

• Common Name: Virginia creeper
• Genus: Parthenocissus
• Species: quinquefolia
• Skill Level: beginner
• Exposure: full sun, partial shade, shade
• Hardiness: hardy
• Soil type: well-drained/light
• Height: 15m

This is a vigorous climber from North America which needs a large garden to be seen to best effect. It makes an attractive foliage plant especially with its fantastic autumn colours. To ensure fiery red foliage in autumn it is best grown in light, dappled shade. Insignificant green flowers in summer aref ollowed by blue-black berries. Plants are self-clinging but need some help to get started, so tie to netting or trellis at the base of a wall. Once it has filled its designated space, it can be pruned back every winter or early spring without ill effect. It has been given the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM).