Virginia Creeper

           

VIRGINIA CREEPER PLANT

VIRGINIA CREEPER

VIRGINIA CREEPER

The leaves are palmate compound, composed of five leaflets (rarely three leaflets, particularly on younger vines, and sometimes seven) joined from a central point on the leafstalk, and range from 3 to 20 cm. The leaflets have a toothed margin. The species is often confused with P. vitacea or "False Virginia creeper", which has the same leaves, but does not have the adhesive pads at the end of its tendril.


The flowers are small and greenish, produced in inconspicuous clusters in late spring, and mature in late summer or early fall into small hard purplish-black berries 5 to 7 mm (0.20 to 0.28 in) diameter. The blue fruits look like miniature grapes, but are poisonous. Though the fruits are not good for humans to eat, they are enjoyed by many species of birds and other wildlife.

GROWING VIRGINIA CREEPER VINE

Virginia creeper produces one of the most spectacular color displays of fall. The five-pointed leaves are usually just an average green but turn a brilliant crimson once temperatures cool. Virginia creeper can grow in sun to full shade, where soils are soggy to dry and even in lightly alkaline soils. The adaptability of the plant makes it suited for any site but care should be taken to keep it off wood siding and gutters. The vine climbs and adheres to vertical surfaces with aerial roots, and the weight of the plant could pull off boards and misalign gutters.

VIRGINIA CREEPER CARE

Virginia creeper is a carefree plant. It is a deciduous perennial vine with a woody stem. The plant will bloom in June to July with green inconspicuous flowers. They turn into round ball-like fruits, which persist on the vine and add interest. You can cut these off if you have children, as they are highly toxic. Birds will enjoy them if you leave them on the vine

The plant may need supplemental water during extended periods of drought but can tolerate short periods of dryness. The vine is remarkably versatile and vigorous. It can stand alone with little external influence but will grow thicker and more lush with annual fertilizer and shearing. Occasional pruning is a part of Virginia creeper maintenance. When left to its own devices the vine can grow 50 to 90 feet long. Annual trimming will help keep it to a size that is manageable.

How to Start a New Virginia Creepers from an Old Plant

·       Fill a planting pot with moist sand and use your finger, a pencil or chopstick to poke a 3-inch deep planting hole.

·       Choose a cutting from the tip of a Virginia creeper stem. Measure 5 inches back toward the base of the plant and cut the stem at a 45-degree angle.

·       Pull the leaves from the lower two-thirds of the Virginia creeper stem and dip the cut end into the rooting hormone.

·       Stick the stem into the prepared planting hole until it is buried to within 1/2 inch of the bottom leaves.

·       Place the potted Virginia creeper cutting in a lightly shaded area and water the soil whenever the top is dry. The cutting should root within 10 days. Allow the cutting to continue to grow in the rooting pot until it is 4 to 6 inches long, when it can be planted outdoors in its permanent location.

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