Parthenocissus viteacea

Parthenocissus viteacea, also known as Parthenocissus inserta, is similar to the true Virginia creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia. It can be distinguished by its tendrils that lack suction cups. Therefore, it is a vine-plant that does not cling on its own and requires support to climb. As a result, it does not risk damaging walls. Hardy and easy to cultivate, it is appreciated for its characteristic foliage, which is divided into 5 leaflets, with a shiny green colour tinged with crimson red in autumn. It can be grown in trees or used to adorn the facade of a building where trellises, grids, or cables have been installed. Then, everyone eagerly awaits the arrival of autumn to admire its flamboyant red colour.

Parthenocissus viteacea is also known as Parthenocissus inserta because its classification is still a subject of debate. It belongs to the Vitaceae family, just like the grapevines used for winemaking. It is a sarmentous bush, native to North America, widespread in the southeastern part of Canada, and over a large area in the United States, from Maine, Montana, New Jersey, and Missouri in the east to Texas and Arizona in the west. This indomitable and very hardy Virginia creeper has naturalized in many countries, such as France and England. It is considered an invasive species in Switzerland. The plant grows rapidly, reaching a height of up to 15m (49ft), with a spreading of 10-15m (33-49ft). It has deciduous leaves, 8 to 20cm (3 to 8in) long, with 5 dentate, ovate leaflets of medium green colour. In autumn, the foliage gradually turns orange, then crimson red and purple. On the stem, opposite the leaf insertion point, either a tendril or a cluster of flowers develops. Each tendril has 7 to 8 branchings that curve to form a small hook, without adhesive disks on the tendrils. The flowering, which is quite insignificant, occurs in June-July, and is followed by small blue-black fruits that are not edible for mammals but appreciated by birds.

This Virginia creeper is hardy down to -25°C (-13°F) and thrives in deep, preferably clayey soil, in shaded, semi-shaded, or even sunny locations. The colour of the foliage tends to fade in full sun. Once established, the plant tolerates drought very well, allowing it to be planted at the edges of a large garden, in a slightly wild spot, on a shaded slope that is never watered. Pruning can be done without constraints at any time of the year to maintain the plant within its space. It is also a good hedge plant, which can be combined with a Clematis vitalba or a Lonicera delavayi, for example. Generous, ample, and radiant, Parthenocissus viteacea is an easy-to-grow climbing plant, ornamental, but also very useful for covering walls and facades in all regions, thanks to its thermal regulation properties for buildings.

Discover our range of Virginia creepers: there is certainly one that will be suitable for your garden.