Northwest Blooms · Vines
Parthenocissus tricuspidata
Boston Ivy
- Family
- Vitaceae
- Height
- Up to 30 feet
- Width
- Up to 8 feet
- Flower color
- Greenish
- Foliage color
- Green in summer, turning brilliant red in fall
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; needs occasional pruning to control growth
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Attracts birds and provides cover for wildlife
About this plant
Parthenocissus tricuspidata, commonly known as Boston Ivy, is a fast-growing, deciduous vine admired for its lush foliage and seasonal color transformations. The leaves start off as a rich green in spring and summer before turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall, creating a dramatic display.
The small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers bloom in late spring to early summer but are often overshadowed by the vine's foliage. These flowers later develop into small, dark blue to black berries in late summer or early fall, which are a food source for birds.
Native to East Asia, particularly China and Japan, Parthenocissus tricuspidata was introduced to the West in the 1800's and has since become a popular choice for covering walls, fences, and trellises due to its ability to cling tightly to surfaces with adhesive tendrils. Its striking seasonal color changes make it a favorite in ornamental gardening and landscaping.
Works well in
Arbors & Trellises · Fences & Walls · Cottage Gardens · Bird Gardens
Companion plants
Climbing roses · Hostas · Columbines · Lungworts · Daylilies · Lavender
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Train the main stems early on a trellis or fence so the growth spreads sideways rather than bunching at the top.
