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Deciduous shrubs of varying hardiness that climb by twisting tendrils, sometimes with sticky discs on the tips – often offered as ampelopsis. Foliage of the hardier varieties turns scarlet in fall and, with the iridescent blue-black berries, lights up the landscape. In winter the pattern of bare stems is delicate against light walls.

Among these vines are some of the most popular coverings for buildings and other solid but slightly rough surfaces to which the tendrils can attach themselves. It is important to sort out from the variously named varieties the one that suits your climate and landscape design. Some are bold and heavy, some delicate; some leaves are solid, others deeply divided. And some popular names have been applied to more than one variety.

Once established, these vines need little care except pruning to keep the stems from encroaching on windows and doors, or outgrowing the bounds of their walls. This is easily done in early spring, before the vines leaf out. Japanese beetles are fond of the foliage. Propagate by seeds, cuttings of new or ripened wood, or layering.

Parthenocissus henryana – silver-vein creeper – Hardy where there is little or no frost, so vigorous in warm areas it can cover a large wall in a hurry. Each leaf has five leaflets, marked with silvery white stripes along the veins and tinged with purple underneath. The leaf turns red- dish in fall. The coloring is most effective when the plant grows in light shade. This foliage is so delicate and lovely, the species is often grown in the greenhouse. It is not particularly self-clinging, but makes a handsome hanging basket. Or try it in a tub or other container, and store it indoors in winter.

Parthenocissus heptaphylla – seven-leaf creeper – Tendril climber, tender to all but lightest frost, with seven leaflets at the stem end. A strong, fast grower for temperate areas.

Parthenocissus quinquefolia – five-leaf ivy, woodbine, Virginia creeper – This is the native vine often confused with poison ivy (which has three leaflets, not five), hardy almost anywhere. It grows heavily and fast, soon needs the extra support of light wire to hold it to a high wall. It is also good as a ground cover. In fall, it has flaming foliage and lustrous berries.

Engelman’s creeper, the variety engelmanni, has smaller and more delicate leaves, and less vigorous growing habits. St. Paul’s creeper, saint-pauli, is also smaller, and clings more tenaciously to stone and other rough surfaces.

Parthenocissus tricuspidata – Boston ivy – Will hold fast to brick or stone. The three-parted leaves turn fiery red in fall. Prune carefully and constantly before it runs away with its support. It will survive difficult city or seashore growing conditions.

Low’s creeper, the smaller-leaved variety lowi, is more suitable for covering smaller areas, or where a more delicate effect is desirable. The leaflets are purplish when young.

Veitch’s creeper, another less bold variety, should be pruned frequently so the smaller-leaved new growth will be kept constantly on the way.

Family: Vilaceae