Care of the climbing plant Parthenocissus tricuspidata or Boston ivy |
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The genus Parthenocissus, family Vitaceae, comprises 12 species of climbing shrubs native to North America and eastern Asia. Some species are: Parthenocissus tricuspidata, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Parthenocissus inserta, Parthenocissus semicordata, Parthenocissus henryana, Parthenocissus himalayana. Common names: Boston ivy, Japanese ivy, Japanese creeper. This species is native to Japan, Korea and China. They are deciduous climbing plants that reach 20 meters (65.6 feet) in height. The leaves are alternately arranged, dark green, and webbed in shape; the branches have tendrils with suction cups for climbing. They have small greenish flowers that are not decorative; they bloom in early summer. The most interesting thing is the red color that the leaves begin to acquire at the end of summer. They produce round bluish fruits. They are used to cover facades, walls and pergolas because the tendrils do not damage the walls. They are ideal for areas of the garden facing east or north. Young plants need supports for climbing. The Parthenocissus tricuspidata grows in sun, semi-shade and shade exposures. Resist the heat of the Mediterranean summer and the cold down to -15 ºC (5 ºF). They prefer deep, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Transplants or planting are done between fall and the following spring. Water abundantly in summer (without flooding) and reduce watering the rest of the year. It's important that the substrate is always slightly damp; they do not withstand drought. Fertilize with compost or manure in winter and once with mineral fertilizer in spring. They should be pruned in autumn to guide their growth, especially if you cover a facade with windows, eaves, balconies or gutters. They can be attacked by fungi if there is excess watering and by mealybugs and insects if they suffer from drought. They are propagated in late summer by tender cuttings and in early spring by woody cuttings. |
Images of the climbing plant Parthenocissus tricuspidata or Boston ivy |
 Parthenocissus tricuspidata  Parthenocissus tricuspidata  Parthenocissus tricuspidata  Parthenocissus tricuspidata |