Virginia creeper how long to grow

The vine will protect you from their prying eyes when you are having barbecues or erotic pool parties. As an added bonus, the reddish leaves are breathtaking in the fall. Although it loses its foliage during the winter months, this is no big deal to most Canadian families, as by that time they have emptied the pool and hunkered down, with snow-blowers and shovels to hand; not forgetting the ample supply of chilled beer to help immunise them against the dreaded effects of cabin fever.

The BBQ is left in a convenient place on the deck in case there is a mild day of around minus 10C when it can be used again. The Virginia creeper has the mentality of a megalomaniac, and it has been suggested that the Creeper be urged to run for office.

Hiding within that cutting that you are about to plant is a ruthless, power-crazed determination. Most gardeners, who decide to plant the Virginia, on learning that the vine grows up to 50 feet high, tend to check their garden for tall buildings or trees, and if there are none, sigh with relief, and go ahead and plant it. Do not make this mistake. The creeper does not care whether it is climbing upwards or sideways. It is the insidious under part that is the most dangerous. The vine spreads by the use of little suckers; the suckers attach to anything—concrete, brick, wood, steel, mailboxes, sheds, decks, trees; it is a cosmopolitan, multicultural plant with no racial or ethnic tendencies—just as long as it is in control.

The suckers can be easily removed if caught in time. At first, the vine appears to be harmless, belying its true intent. You will probably be delighted at its rapid growth over the first couple of years. Each bud that is lying on the soil is spreading—downwards and sideways. The vine is quietly reproducing itself via its creeping rootstalks or rhizomes.

Your tiny little bud eventually becomes nearly impossible to eradicate — and it's almost impossible to dig up without a backhoe. Answer: I don't see why not. At least in a pot, Virginia Creeper will be contained. Question: Excellent and entertaining description of a reliable and beautiful vine. Is it worth trying to plant Virginia Creeper in fall in northern Ontario? Answer: Don't see why not. I'm sure it would still take over further north. Question: If I plant a creeper near my foundation or patio, will it break the cement from underneath via the roots?

Answer: Yes! It may take some time, but eventually, it will break through from beneath. Sorry about that. It is a very strong, forceful plant that will stop at nothing. It may take some time, but it will eventually harm brick. Question: I live in Saskatchewan, Canada and have started Virginia creepers in pots to transplant along a rural fence line. Can I transplant them in late fall when the plant goes dormant, or should I wait for spring?

Can I winter the plants in pots above ground? Answer: The plant can be planted from spring to early fall. Ours has just started changing color we live in Ontario , and personally, I would keep it in pots until next spring. My other half reminds me that it grows like a weed and she would plant it now. I think she's right. Question: Why are my Virginia creeper blotchy?

They look like they are diseased. This needs to be sprayed to kill it, or it could simply be the heat. Question: We transplanted Virginia creeper from a pot, and the leaves quickly turned red. Why is this? Answer: The leaves will turn red and fall off in the fall, or perhaps it has died off due to the transplanting. Question: I was thinking of planting Virginia Creeper on the side of my garage, which is in full shade.

Will it harm stucco? Answer: Unfortunately, yes, Virginia creeper would harm stucco because it likes to be in control and will harm anything that gets in the way. Grow Virginia creeper in well-drained soil. It will grow well in a variety of soil types, including clay, sand, or loam. It will tolerate a range of soil acidity and alkalinity. Water newly planted trees regularly with a garden hose for at least one month 2 months in Summer.

Automatic irrigation systems may not be sufficient initially. Water frequency will vary according to the season, exposure, and plant size.

Varieties of Virginia Creeper. Although standard Virginia creeper grows well in most yards, you might try several improved horticultural varieties for increased pest resistance:. Some bronze color tends to creep into its otherwise red fall foliage. It clings well to walls and fences. Variegata — is less vigorous, with yellow and white variegation of the leaves, which becomes pink and red in autumn.

Native plants host a wider variety of native wildlife, and climbers are particularly noted as shelter for invertebrates. For a wild garden, or a relaxed front path, growing Virginia creeper is an act of generosity.

Search for:. Above: Flaming embers of Virginia creeper in the fall. Above: Virginia creeper in full autumn color drapes luxuriously over a stone wall at the Rousham estate in the English Cotswolds. Cheat Sheet Virginia creeper grows up buildings just as happily as it grows up trees, attaching itself with aerial tendrils and adhesive pads.

It does not damage mortar but its weight, if allowed to hang down in vines, can be problematic when in leaf. Like Boston ivy, Virginia creeper is deciduous, putting on a spectacular display in the fall. A west- or south-facing aspect is most effective in encouraging color. Resembling poison ivy , it is not poisonous as such but can cause a rash, so gloves are a good idea when handling Parthenocissus quinquefolia.

Its small dark blue berries, which look good against the flaming reds in autumn, are toxic. Above: Common ivy growing amid Virginia creeper. Keep It Alive Virginia creeper is as undemanding as common ivy pictured above , thriving in any kind of soil, with any level of acidity. Ideally soil would be well-drained and moist.