Growing Virginia creeper in a pot: tips and tricks

Which variety of grapevine to choose?

Virginia creepers group together several families of climbing plants:

• Parthenocissus are the true Virginia creepers, with suction cups that allow them to cling to surfaces (fences, trellises, and even exterior walls) and providing showy autumn foliage.
• Vitis and Ampelopsis are ornamental vines, which have tendrils instead of suction cups. They will need a mesh-supported or trellis to climb. They are valued for their decorative foliage and, in some cases, their small berries or clusters.

To grow Virginia creeper in a pot, it’s best to choose a variety suited to container cultivation, i.e. a plant with moderate growth, not forgetting its decorative foliage! Here is a small selection of our favourite varieties:

• Henry’s Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus henryana) : This variety is ideal for semi-shaded locations. Its charm lies in its highly dissected, green leaves with white veins, which turn to stunning red hues in autumn. It adds a unique elegance to small spaces.
• Virginia creeper ‘Minutifolia’ (Parthenocissus tricuspidata ‘Minutifolia’) : With leaves smaller than those of other Tricuspidata, this variety is perfect for container growing. It offers bright green leaves in summer, which turn bronze-purple in autumn.
• Virginia creeper ‘Lowii’ (Parthenocissus tricuspidata ‘Lowii’) : This Virginia creeper is distinguished by its small, finely dissected foliage, offering magnificent colours that change with the seasons. Its moderate growth makes it ideal for pot culture.
• Porcelain berry ‘Purpurea’ (Vitis vinifera ‘Purpurea’) : Although this is an ornamental vine (and not a Parthenocissus), it is interesting for its green-purple foliage and its understated flowering. It even produces small decorative clusters.
• Porcelain berry ‘Elegans’ (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata ‘Elegans’) : This ornamental vine, with variegated leaves and autumn-coloured berries, is perfect for a distinctive touch. Very different from Parthenocissus, yet it remains easy to grow in pots.
• Find our other varieties: Virginia creepers.

Top left: Henry’s Virginia creeper ; centre: Virginia creeper ‘Minutifolia’ ; top right: Virginia creeper ‘Lowii’; bottom left: ornamental vine ‘Purpurea’ and bottom right: ornamental vine ‘Elegans’

When to plant Virginia creeper in a pot?

Best time to plant a Virginia creeper in a pot is in spring, between March and May, to give the plant time to establish before the heat of summer. Virginia creeper can also be planted in autumn in regions with mild winters. Avoid planting during frost or extreme heat, as these conditions weaken young plants.

Which pot to choose?

To ensure proper growth of your Virginia creeper, you need to choose the right pot. Choose a pot with a diameter and depth of at least 40 cm. The Virginia creeper’s roots need space to grow. If possible, opt for an even bigger pot to avoid repotting too often. Check that the pot has a drainage hole at the bottom to allow good water drainage.

For choosing the material:

• Terracotta pots provide good drainage and aeration for the roots. However, watering will need to be more frequent and they are heavier to handle.
• Plastic pots offer poorer aeration as they retain more water (watering will need to be more spaced out), but they are lighter, especially if you need to move the pot.
• Wooden pots are also interesting, but be sure to treat them against humidity to prevent them from rotting.

Which growing medium should I choose?

Virginia creeper isn’t very demanding, but it appreciates a well-drained, nutrient-rich growing medium. Here’s how to mix it:

• half of multipurpose compost, of good quality.
• half garden soil (if possible).
• Add one or two handfuls of coarse sand to ensure good drainage.
• Add a handful of compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the mix with organic matter.

Remember to add a drainage layer (clay balls, pozzolana or gravel) at the bottom of the pot before adding the growing medium, to improve drainage.

How do you grow Virginia creeper in a pot?

1- Fill the bottom of the pot with a drainage layer (clay pebbles, gravel or pot shards). This prevents the roots from sitting in water.

2- Fill the pot with the substrate, leaving enough space for the grapevine’s rootball.

3- Carefully remove the bare-root grapevine from its original pot and tease the roots a little if they are very compact.

4- Place the rootball of the vine in the new pot, ensuring the top of the rootball sits just below the rim.

5- Fill the spaces around the rootball with the substrate, gently press down and water well to settle the plant.

6- Position the trellis or support close to the plant. You can guide the first shoots towards the trellis to encourage it to climb. If necessary, use soft ties to secure the shoots, but not too tightly!

Which support should you choose?

Virginia creeper, depending on the variety, has tendrils or natural adhesive pads that grip easily, but be sure to guide the first shoots so they grow toward the chosen support. Here are some support ideas:

• Decorative stakes: Place a bamboo or metal stake directly in the pot. This is ideal for a simple, ornamental setup, especially if you have limited space.
• Compact trellis: Attach a small wooden or metal trellis, either planted in the pot or fixed to the back of the pot.
• Tensioned cables on frame: Install a lightweight frame with cables or cords tensioned, placed in or behind the pot. This discreet, modern alternative maximises height without crowding.
• Freestanding arch: For a more dramatic look, choose a small metal or wooden arch to plant in the pot. Ideal for creating a romantic effect with shoots that cascade over.
• Lightweight filament: For a temporary or easy-to-move solution, use a plastic net or rope stretched above the pot, perfect for guiding young shoots.
• Raw wall or rough surface: If your wall is brick, stone or rough concrete, Virginia creeper can climb directly thanks to its adhesive pads. This gives a natural look without requiring additional support. Tip: If you want to protect a painted or rendered wall, install a support a few centimetres away from the surface to avoid direct contact.

On the left: a Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) climbs against a wall; on the right: a Virginia creeper (same variety) climbs a bamboo screen

Care

Exposure:

Virginia creeper adapts well to partial shade or full sun, depending on variety. However, to achieve beautiful autumn colours, prefer a sunny exposure.

Watering:

• Water regularly, especially in summer, as potting soil dries out faster than garden soil. Watering once or twice a week is sufficient, ensuring the surface of the potting mix dries slightly between waterings.
• In winter, reduce watering, unless prolonged drought occurs.

Fertiliser:

Apply a fertiliser rich in nitrogen (for climbing plants) in spring to stimulate growth of the stems and foliage. In autumn, favour a fertiliser richer in potash to strengthen the plant before winter.

Pruning:

Prune Virginia creeper once a year, in late winter or early spring, to limit its growth and maintain a neat shape. Remove dead or damaged shoots.

Winter protection:

In cold regions, place a layer of organic mulch on the substrate to protect the roots from frost. If your pot is terracotta, wrap it in a winter fleece to prevent it from cracking. This will also protect the roots from the cold. The above-ground part of the Virginia creeper generally does not require protection.

Repotting:

Repot every 3 to 4 years into a larger pot and refresh the substrate as it becomes exhausted. If the plant becomes too large to repot, simply replace the surface substrate.