Parthenocissus quinquefolia Engelmannii - Virginia Creeper

The Parthenocissus quinquefolia 'Engelmannii' is a vigorous Virginia creeper, a climbing plant with tendrils equipped with suction cups, which allow it to cling to any available support without risk of damage. Its light foliage, divided into 5 leaflets, will blend into a tree, cover an old wall, or adorn a facade with medium green vegetation, shiny but discreet amidst the surrounding greenery. The magic happens in autumn, when the support reveals itself in all its glory, transformed by a sumptuous cloak of scarlet red. This variety thrives in all exposures and grows in any well-prepared ordinary soil, deep.

The Parthenocissus quinquefolia, also known as Ampelopsis quinquefolia, Vitis quinquefolia or Virginia creeper, is a plant from the vitaceae family, just like the grapevines used for winemaking. It is a woody climbing plant, native to North America, widespread in Canada, the United States (Minnesota to Florida), as well as Mexico and Guatemala. This indomitable and very hardy Virginia creeper has naturalised in many countries, including France and England.

The 'Engelmannii' variety is a slightly less vigorous form, with finer foliage that turns even more vibrant in autumn. The fast-growing plant will reach a height of 10 to 15 m (33 to 49ft), with a spread of 10 m (33ft). It bears deciduous leaves, 8 to 20 cm (3 to 8in) long, with 5 toothed, ovate, medium green leaflets. In autumn, the foliage turns bright red. On the stem, opposite the leaf insertion point, either a tendril or a cluster of flowers develops. Each tendril has 7 to 8 branching shoots that curve to form a small hook. Upon contact with a support, this small hook can form a ball secreting sticky substances. The flowering, rather insignificant, takes place in June-July, and is followed by small blue-black fruits that are not edible for mammals but appreciated by birds.

This Virginia creeper is hardy up to -25°C (-13°F), it grows in deep, clayey soil, in shaded, semi-shaded, or even sunny locations. The colour of the foliage tends to lose its brightness in full sun. Once well-established, the plant tolerates drought very well, allowing it to be planted on the edges of a large garden, in a somewhat wild area, on a shady slope that is never watered, even in the South of France. Unrestricted pruning at any time of the year keeps the plant within its space. Generous, ample, and resplendent, the Parthenocissus quinquefolia 'Engelmannii' is an easy-to-care-for climbing plant, ornamental, but also very useful for covering walls and facades in all regions, due to its thermal regulation properties for buildings.