Boston Ivy Care Instructions

Scientific Name: Parthenocissus tricuspidata

Category: Deciduous, adhering vine or ground cover

Habit: Vine that will attach itself to whatever surface its growing on with “cling fast” disks. Note that if the plant is removed from what it’s growing on the disk residue is difficult and time-consuming to get rid of.

Growth rate: Extremely rapid.

Fertilization: If desired, Espoma Holly Tone, Plant Tone, Tree Tone.

Landscape benefits and culture: Useful where quick coverage of surfaces (walls, fences, soil) is desired. Foliage is attractive and glossy. There are two leaf types: adult (large individual leaves) and juvenile that are three-parted and sometimes confused with poison ivy. If grown in sun can have quite striking fall color.  Easy to establish in: sun, shade, wet or dry- any site you can conceive! Birds love the blue-black berries and deposit them around where they may well germinate (another consideration).

Pruning: Just trimming back the rapidly growing stems to keep them contained where they’re wanted.

Potential pest/issues: Leaf spot. Do heed the warning about the cling fast disks, so don’t use this plant on any surface where the plant will need to be removed for staining or painting.