Parthenocissus tricuspidata Veitchii - Boston Ivy

Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Veitchii', sometimes called Japanese Ivy or simply Veitch's Virginia Creeper, is a vigorous climbing plant renowned for its dense foliage, stunning autumn colours, and adaptability to a wide range of soils and climates. Its long stems cling effortlessly to any support without causing damage, thanks to its suckers. Hardy, water-efficient, tolerant of pollution and coastal conditions, comfortable in both sun and shade, it creates beautiful cloaks on walls, fences, and unsightly buildings.

The Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Veitchii', also known as Japanese Virginia Creeper or Three-pointed Virginia Creeper, belongs to the vitaceae family. The species is native to eastern Asia (central and northern China, Korea, Japan), where it grows in woods and forests, as well as rocky hills. This plant is naturalised in France.

The 'Veitchii' form is distinguished from the species by its large, more or less lobed leaves. It is a fast-growing woody climbing plant that can reach 10 to 15 metres (33 to 49 feet) in all directions. Its foliage consists of large leaves, 10-12 cm (4-5in) long and wide, often divided into 3 pointed and toothed lobes, sometimes undivided. They are purple when they bud and then turn a shiny dark green in summer. The autumn colours are truly splendid, evolving from yellow to orange and scarlet red, with shades enhanced by their shiny texture. The deciduous foliage is absent in winter. In summer, its insignificant greenish honey-scented inflorescences give way to non-edible (for us) blue-black berries, sought after by birds.

The Virginia Creepers are elegant, romantic, and sumptuous: they transform any support into a flamboyant drapery at the end of the season, offering an almost unreal spectacle, capable of catching the eye from afar and captivating the observer in a melancholic contemplation. They are perfect for adding lushness to vertical as well as horizontal surfaces. Parthenocissus tricuspidata is very adaptable to soil and exposure, with its colors being more vibrant when its foliage receives sun for part of the day. Pruning it as needed throughout the year will keep it in check. It can be planted at the base of a wall or facade, or on a large wild slope. In autumn, the blue flowers are stunning next to its gleaming foliage. It can be paired, for example, with late-flowering blue clematis. If the wall is sound, there will be no degradation due to the growth of the Virginia Creeper. It also protects habitats from extreme heat and harsh winters.