This multi-purpose vine covers structures and disguises eyesores with lustrous green foliage.
Birds frequently visit to eat the plant’s purple-black berries in autumn.
Boston ivy grows in full sun, partial sun, or shade and effectively controlserosion on troublesome slopes.
How and When to Plant Boston Ivy
Plant container-grown transplants from nurseries in spring.
Select a location that receivesfull sun or partial sun.
Water the plants well.
Sow the seeds and press them 1/2 inch into the prepared soil.
Water the garden bed and keep it moist until the seeds germinate.
Boston Ivy Care Tips
Light
Boston ivy does best in full-sun locations.
In that case, position the vine on a north-facing or east-facing wall to provide some relief.
Partial sun is recommended for hot climates.
Boston ivy will grow in shady areas, but the fall leaf color will not be as vibrant.
After it’s established, Boston ivy is drought tolerant.
Temperature and Humidity
Boston ivy is a deciduous, woody vine.
It loses its leaves in winter and tolerates freezing temperatures down to 0F.
It can be damaged if the temperature drops below zero.
It grows well in all kinds of climates, so humidity is not usually a concern.
Trim the leafless vines back significantly to maintain the desired length and shape of the vine.
Bothersome scale can be treated with a sulfur spray done twice, two weeks apart.
How to Propagate Boston Ivy
Propagate Boston ivy in the spring fromstem cuttingsor seeds.
Place a clear plastic bag over it to retain humidity.
Set the pot in a warm area that receives bright (not full sun) light.
Check it regularly by tugging gently on one of the leaves; resistance indicates rooting has occurred.
Remove the plastic bag and wait until new growth appears before repotting or moving it to a garden location.
Push the seeds 1/2 inch into the soil and water.
Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate; then, thin them to 5 to 10 feet apart.
Place several ripe berries in a strainer.
Press gently on the berries to separate the pulp from the seeds.
Rinse any remaining pulp off the seeds and soak them in warm water for 24 hours.
After the soak, place the seeds on a paper towel.
When they are dry, put them in a clear plastic bag with moist sand.
It can climb to 50 feet and is native to areas of North America.
Zones 3-9
Boston Ivy
Parthenocissus tricuspidataoffers ivy-shaped leaves that turn bright red and purple in fall.
It can climb 50 feet.
Other great companion plants include low-maintenance shrubs that thrive in a variety of growing conditions.
Call onmock orange(Philadelphus),ninebark(Physocarpus), andpotentillato enhance full-sun or part-shade areas.
These easy-to-grow shrubs will provide spring and early summer flowers at the foot of Boston ivy.
Complement full-shade plantings of Boston ivy withrhododendronandcamelliashrubs.
Arborvitae
Arborvitae(Thujaspp.
)are rugged evergreen trees that grow 20 feet tall.
They handle being trimmed well and can be shaped into topiary plants.
Some varieties remain green-leaved year-round, while others take on a bronze cast in fall and winter.
They need some protection from winter winds.
Ninebark
Ninebark (Physocarpusspp.)
It grows to 10 feet tall in Zones 3-7.
Rhododendron
Rhododendrons(Rhododendronspp.
)are classic garden plants available in many colors and sizes.
