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Key characteristics

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

Vines

Parthenocissus tricuspidata

Boston Ivy

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)