Plant field guide
Virginia Creeper
Native vine with spectacular scarlet-red fall foliage. Adhesive disks allow it to climb any surface. Five-leaflet leaves distinguish it from poison ivy.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Parthenocissus quinquefolia
- Sun
- partial shade
- Water
- moderate
- Height
- 120 in (305 cm) – 600 in (1524 cm)
- Spread
- 60 in (152 cm) – 240 in (610 cm)
- Spacing
- 60 in (152 cm)
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 3–9; average annual extreme minimum from -40°F (-40.0°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: February, March.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Very vigorous native vine. Brilliant fall color rivals any tree. Can damage stucco and painted surfaces. Blue berries feed birds.
Pruning
Prune aggressively in late winter to control size. Remove runners that go where not wanted.
Fertilizer
None needed
Does not need fertilizer
Mulch
Not needed.