Parthenocissus quinquefolia Murorum - Virginia Creeper

The Parthenocissus quinquefolia 'Murorum' or Virginia Creeper is a non-adhesive climbing plant with tendrils equipped with suction cups that allow it to cling to any available support without damaging it. Its delicate foliage, composed of 5 leaflets, remains a beautiful shiny green throughout the season. Its flowering is quite insignificant, but in autumn, the plant reveals its decorative interest as the foliage turns red in a spectacular blaze. This hardy variety is particularly easy to grow and thrives in all exposures and in any well-drained and deep soil.

The Parthenocissus quinquefolia, also known as Ampelopsis quinquefolia, Vitis quinquefolia, or Virginia Creeper, is a plant from the Vitaceae family. This botanical group includes numerous climbers such as Tetrastigma voinieranium, which covers huge surfaces in French botanical gardens. It is also, of course, the family of one of the most economically important plants, Vitis vinifera, otherwise known as the wine grape vine and its many varieties. The Parthenocissus quinquefolia is a sarmentous shrub native to North America, widespread in Canada, the United States (Minnesota to Florida), Mexico, and Guatemala. This indomitable and very hardy Virginia Creeper has naturalised in many countries, including France and England.

The 'Murorum' variety, or Wall Virginia Creeper, is a less vigorous form, but with even more delicate and elegant foliage that turns even more vibrant in autumn. This fast-growing climber can reach up to 8m (26ft) in height, or even more, with a spread of 4 to 5m (13 to 16ft). It has deciduous leaves with 5 toothed leaflets, beautifully arranged at 360° around the petiole. The flowering, which is quite insignificant, occurs around June, and is followed by small blue-black fruits, non-edible for mammals, loved by birds. The foliage, a beautiful medium green with a glossy appearance, transforms in autumn, taking on shades of orange that quickly turn to scarlet red. This flamboyant display is a superb spectacle every year, enchanting any garden. On the stem, opposite the point of leaf attachment, either a tendril or a cluster of flowers develops. Each tendril has 7 to 8 branches that curve to form a small hook. Upon contact with a support, this small hook can form a ball secreting sticky substances. Thanks to its suction cups, this climber can cover a wall without damaging it or climb up the trunk of a large tree to create a valuable scene in a wilderness-inspired garden. This Virginia Creeper is hardy down to -25°C (-13°F) and grows in deep, preferably clayey soil, in shaded, semi-shaded, or even sunny locations. The foliage tends to lose its brightness in full sun. Once established, the plant can tolerate drought, allowing it to be planted on the edges of a large garden, in a somewhat wild spot, on a shaded slope that is never watered, even in the Mediterranean. Pruning can be done freely in any season to maintain the plant within its space. Generous, ample, and resplendent, the Parthenocissus quinquefolia 'Murorum' is an easy-to-grow climber that is ornamental and also very useful for covering walls and facades in all regions, thanks to its thermal regulation properties for buildings.

This Parthenocissus can be planted alongside another large climbing plant that can withstand its competition, such as the stunning 'Kiftsgate' rambling rose with its impressive vigour and simple white flowers. It will also attract attention in autumn by forming a dazzling colour contrast if allowed to ascend a yellow-coloured tree, such as the famous Ginkgo biloba, the maidenhair tree, whose fan-shaped leaves are recognisable anywhere. And to create sensation throughout the year, the association with a Cercidiphyllum, the caramel tree, will be regal, as its foliage changes colour throughout the seasons. Unfortunately, while the Parthenocissus can grow at a rate of 2m (7ft) per year, the same cannot be said for these trees... patience will be required!