Parthenocissus Boston Ivy

A large, vigorous climber with a stunning, burgundy, orange and purple autumn display. Boston Ivy is an ideal choice for covering walls or fences quickly – it is known as ‘Mountain Climbing Tiger’ in its homeland of China which is a testament to its admirable vigour. Have nothing for it to climb? It makes a fine-looking and swift ground cover too.

Boston Ivy leaves are made up of three pointed leaflets (to 20cm), hence the botanical name ‘tricuspidata’ meaning three pointed.

Parthenocissus is formed from two Greek words; parthenos – virgin (for the Parthenon and virgin goddess Athena – perhaps because it can set seed without pollination) and cissos or kissos – ivy, though it is not really related to ivy but in some ways behaves similarly.

Boston Ivy is a self clinging vine that can be planted into moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil. They grow in either sun or shade – though you will get the best autumn colour in sun, you get more yellow leaves in shade. They become dry tolerant as they establish. Tiny white, insignificant flowers open in summer, followed by little black berries which are also seldom noticeable, except to birds who adore them.

They are self clinging, so if you are fussy about paint then you should know they will mark it. As far as I’m concerned mine can ramble where it likes, there is a short time over winter where it’s markings are exposed but in no time it will be back with its gorgeous, lush display.

Parthenocissus tricuspidtata is commonly known as Boston Ivy, Boston Creeper, Japanese Creeper, Grape Ivy or Cottage Ivy. It is the Ivy in Ivy League Universities of North America, as it is often seen growing on their walls.