Description
Parthenocissus quinquefolia ‘Troki’ – Virginia creeper
Botanical name: Parthenocissus quinquefolia ‘Troki’
Common names: Virginia creeper
Family: Vitaceae
Plant type: Deciduous climber
Habit: Vigorous, self-clinging
Pot size: As supplied
Eventual size: Approx. 10–15m tall × 5m spread
Foliage: Handsome divided green leaves turning brilliant crimson-red in autumn; deciduous
Flowers: Insignificant green flowers, followed by small blue-black berries; grown for foliage
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to full shade
Soil: Most soils; fertile, well-drained; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 3–9
Exposure: Sheltered or exposed; very tolerant
Native range: Eastern North America
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Low toxicity; the berries and foliage contain oxalate crystals and may cause stomach upset and mouth irritation if eaten, and the sap can irritate skin
Parthenocissus quinquefolia ‘Troki’ is a vigorous self-clinging climber with handsome divided leaves that blaze brilliant crimson-red in autumn. Perfect for rapidly clothing large walls and fences with seasonal colour.
GardenAdvice notes
A vigorous, self-clinging deciduous climber from North America, Virginia creeper is grown for its spectacular autumn colour, when the divided leaves turn fiery shades of crimson and scarlet before falling. It clings by adhesive pads without support and quickly covers large expanses of wall, fence or building, thriving in sun or shade.
Growing & planting
Plant in most fertile, well-drained soils in sun or shade — it is remarkably adaptable and colours well even in shade. It clings by itself to walls, fences and masonry, needing no support, but does need room, as it is very vigorous. Guide young growth to the surface you want it to cover.
Care & maintenance
Water while establishing, after which it is very tough. Prune in late winter or after leaf fall to keep it clear of gutters, windows, roof tiles and painted surfaces, as it can lift and penetrate weak render. It responds well to hard pruning. Keep it away from surfaces where its clinging pads could cause damage.
Propagation
- Cuttings: Take hardwood cuttings in autumn or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
- Layering: Peg down stems to root, then detach.
Pests & diseases
Generally trouble-free and pest-resistant. Its main drawback is sheer vigour — it can swamp small spaces, block gutters and creep under roof tiles — so site it where its size is welcome and prune to control it.
Uses in the garden
Superb for quickly clothing large walls, fences, outbuildings and unsightly structures, and for covering banks, where the autumn colour is spectacular. Best kept off house walls with weak render or woodwork.
Wildlife value
The autumn berries provide food for birds, and the dense cover offers valuable shelter and nesting habitat.
Toxicity & safety
Virginia creeper has a low level of toxicity: its berries and foliage contain oxalate crystals and may cause stomach upset and mouth irritation if eaten, and the sap can irritate skin. Discourage children and pets from eating the berries.
GardenAdvice tip
Virginia creeper is unbeatable for covering a big, difficult wall fast and for sheer autumn spectacle — but respect its vigour. Keep it off house walls with soft render, wooden cladding or near gutters and roof tiles, where its clinging pads and questing stems can cause damage, and give it a large barn wall, fence or bank to romp over instead.
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