Georgia Gardener Newsletter

Georgia Gardener Newsletter

Cool Plant: November 8, 2012

Engelman Virginia Creeper

Parthenocissus quinquefolia 'Engelmannii'

Species Native Range: Southeastern U.S.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 3-9

Mature Size: 10-20 feet

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Practically any

Drought Tolerance: Excellent

Ease of Culture: Easy

Engelman Virginia creeper is a cultivar of our native Virginia creeper, a commonly seen vine growing in trees at the edges of woods. Unlike its wild brethren which can grow 50 feet or more, Engeleman has smaller foliage and a compact growth habit. Virginia creeper climbs by using sticky tendrils and although it can be used to climb brick or masonry, the tendrils will damage the surface. The foliage of Virginia creeper is an unremarkable green during the spring and summer and the flowers are small and barely noticeable. In the fall, the foliage turns a brilliant red. Plants growing in sun will have better fall color. Virginia creeper fruit turns dark blue late in the season and is an excellent food source for many birds.

Virginia creeper is often mistaken for poison ivy. The similarities are quite striking: both are vigorously climbing vines, they are often found in the same environment, their foliage is similar with serrated leaf edges and they both develop striking fall color. Technically, the "leaves" of both are actually leaflets - segments of a larger leaf structure. The difference between them is the number of leaflets grouped together. As the Latin name implies (quinquefolia), Virginia creeper usually has five leaflets grouped together on each leaf. Poison ivy has three.....hence the old saying "leaves of three, leave it be." Just to be difficult, sometimes the younger foliage of Virginia creeper may only have 3 leaflets, but if you look for older leaves and find any with five (or even seven), it's Virginia creeper for sure.

Grow Engelman Virginia creeper on a trellis, arbor, wall or fence in full sun to partial shade. The soil type is not critical as this vine tolerates a wide range of soils. It can also be used as a groundcover on difficult slopes. Good companion plants include asters, mums and other plants will fall flowers or showy foliage. Prune the plant when dormant to keep it a desired size. You may want to prune the plant back to the ground every few years to remove any tangled growth.

Sources

This plant is sometimes called Engelman ivy.

Sooner Plant Farm
Brushwood Nursery