Parthenocissus tricuspidata Lowii- Boston Ivy

The Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Lowii' is a moderate-growing Virginia creeper, remarkable for its finely cut foliage, displaying magnificent changing colours. Its leaves are much smaller than those of most other Virginia creepers, and change from spring purple to summer green, ending in a dazzling scarlet red at the end of the season. This climbing plant attaches itself to its support using tendrils equipped with suckers. Hardy, easy to grow, comfortable in both sun and shade, it forms beautiful cloaks on walls, fences, and can even cover a slope. Its modest size also allows it to be planted in a large container to adorn the terrace.

The Parthenocissus tricuspidata, also known as the Boston Ivy or Japanese Ivy, belongs to the family of Vitaceae. It is native to eastern Asia (central and northern China, Korea, Japan), where it grows in woods and forests, as well as in rocky hills. This plant is naturalised in France.

The 'Lowii' cultivar distinguishes itself from the species by its greatly reduced growth and small, highly cut leaves. It is a woody, deciduous climbing plant with rapid growth, not exceeding 4 to 5 m (13 to 16ft) in all directions at maturity. Its foliage consists of very small leaves, 2 to 3 cm (1in) long and wide, deeply cut into 3 to 7 pointed lobes. They are purple when they bud, then take on an apple green colour before darkening to a more or less dark green in summer. The autumn colours are truly sumptuous, evolving from orange to scarlet red, with shades enhanced by a glossy texture. In summer, its insignificant greenish cyme inflorescences give way to blue-black berries.

Virginia creepers are elegant, romantic, and opulent: they transform any support into a flamboyant drapery at the end of the season, offering an almost unreal spectacle, capable of attracting attention from afar. They are perfect for bringing lushness to vertical as well as horizontal surfaces. The Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Lowii', hardy to -15°C (5°F), proves to be very adaptable to soil and exposure, with its colours being more vibrant when its foliage receives sun for part of the day. Unrestricted pruning at any time of the year will keep it in its space. Taking up only 4 to 5 square metres, this Virginia creeper is ideal for enhancing small spaces, as a wall cover or ground cover. It can be planted at the base of a wall or facade, or even on a slope. In autumn, the blue flowers are superb alongside its gleaming foliage. For example, it can be associated with cerastostigma and blue asters (Aster cordifolius 'Blue Heaven', Aster laevis 'Calliope'). If the wall is sound, there will be no degradation due to the Virginia creeper. It also protects against extreme heat and harsh winters.