Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Boston Ivy)
😃 Is THIS the new Auckland go-to for covering walls and fences on just a tiny footprint, now that self-clinging climber Ficus pumila is a no-no 🥲.
Its botanical name Parthenocissus tricuspidata is a bit of a tongue-twister, so most of us just call it ‘Boston Ivy. And, it's another one of those super useful, self-clinging, climbing plants, I.e. it climbs by clinging, so no wires or support trellis are needed.
It won’t damage your wall the way an English ivy will, however, try to remove it, and it will leave little footprints and in some cases, may dislodge some of the wall surface, so do plant it with care.
Yes, it’s deciduous, but the colour of the leaves as they turn in the autumn is fabulous, and once all the foliage has dropped, there’s a fabulous tracery of vinework left on display to give delightful winter interest.
🍇'Boston ivy' is very similar in looks to another close grape family relative ‘Virginia creeper ’ (Parthenocissus quinquefolia). 'Boston ivy' has a slightly more formal look with a 🍃 leaf shape similar to weedy old 'English Ivy', with three points to the leaf. Whereas 'Virginia creeper' has 5 leaflets making up one larger compound leaf.
If garden plants have you confused or you just want to learn more about them, FOLLOW ME on Instagram for posts with tips and tricks on plants, planting design & garden design in general.