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Red autumn leaves of Boston ivy covering a stone facadeClimbers

Parthenocissus tricuspidata

Boston Ivy

Boston ivyclimberautumn colourwall coveringself-clinging

Boston ivy is a vigorous, self-clinging climber that covers walls and facades with a dense tapestry of three-lobed leaves. The foliage is fresh green in summer and turns spectacularly to fiery red and orange in autumn. The plant attaches itself with adhesive pads and needs no support. An unmatched wall covering.

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Characteristics

Sun
Partial shade, Full sun
Water
Medium
Height
1000–2000 cm
Spread
300–600 cm
Hardiness zone
4–8
Family
Vitaceae
Evergreen
No
Wildlife value
birds, bees

Care guide

Plant in partial shade to full sun in virtually any soil. Boston ivy is exceptionally undemanding and grows fast — up to two metres per season. Water regularly in the first year. Keep the plant away from gutters, window frames, and roofing to prevent damage.

Pruning tips

Prune in late autumn or winter to keep growth in check. Keep the plant away from windows, gutters, and roof tiles. Remove runners growing in unwanted areas. Hard pruning is well tolerated and encourages dense new foliage.

Good companions

Dark green ivy leaves covering an old stone wallClimbers

Hedera helix

Common Ivy

Common Ivy is an evergreen climber that uses aerial roots to cover walls, fences, and trees. Its dark green, glossy leaves provide year-round greenery. Mature plants flower in autumn with inconspicuous green-yellow blooms that are an important late food source for bees and insects.

Full shadeMedium0–600 cm
Abundant white flowers of mountain clematis along a pergolaClimbers

Clematis montana

Mountain Clematis

Mountain clematis is a fast-growing climber that becomes smothered in white or pink flowers during May and June. The plant can cover large surfaces in a short time, making it ideal for growing over pergolas, fences, and unsightly walls. The lightly fragrant blooms appear on the previous year's wood.

Full sunMedium600–1200 cm
Hanging purple flower clusters of Chinese wisteria in springClimbers

Wisteria sinensis

Chinese Wisteria

Chinese wisteria is a vigorous climbing plant that produces spectacular hanging flower clusters in spring. The fragrant purple, blue, or white blooms appear before the foliage has fully unfurled. A mature plant can completely cover walls and pergolas with a lush canopy of leaves.

Full sunMedium900–1500 cm