Boston Ivy

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

40 - 50 Feet

Mature Spread

40 - 50 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Boston Ivy is also known by the Latin name of Parthenocissus tricuspidata. This fast and long growing vine clings to trellises and walls by means of adventitious roots that cling like velcro. Boston Ivy has spectacular fall color and is deciduous, so it loses its leaves for the winter, showing off an often fascinating framework of branches. Although mature Boston Ivy vines look intimidating and massive, they are very easily grown if planted in the right spot from the beginning.

Boston Ivy is also useful as a large groundcover. Planted at the top of a hillside, this vigorous grower will help to control soil erosion and cover a very large area with just a few plants. Parthenocissus is native to Korea and Japan and is actually in the grape (Vitaceae) family. The berries that form in late summer are poisonous to mammals, but the birds will feast on them throughout the winter. 

Boston Ivy Care

Boston Ivy will grow equally well in either sun or part shade. A north or east facing site is best. The soil needs to be moist and well draining and very deep. The root system of this large vine is very large. Supplemental water may be required until the vines are well established. Extremely drought tolerant at maturity.

The most important part of caring for large vines is to get it off to the best start possible. Once it starts to climb over the side of a house or large hillside, pruning will become very difficult. Directing the branches in a particular direction needs to start at planting and continue until you achieve the shape desired. Boston Ivy literally sticks as it grows and can get stuck under window sills and in doorways. Any loose stucco or siding needs to be fixed before letting Boston Ivy climb in those areas. Pruning in the late winter may be needed to keep this woody vine under control as it ages.

Boston Ivy Spacing

Boston Ivy can reach an overall height and width of 40-50 feet. Yearly growth will be around 3-5 feet, making this vine a fast grower. Generally one plant can be used to cover the wall of a house, depending on house size. When planted as a ground cover for a slope, space the plants at 10 foot intervals at the ridge of the hill. This will allow the plants to cascade and grow down the slope.