Virginia Creeper
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
A stunning native North American vine that provides spectacular fall color with its five-fingered leaves turning brilliant scarlet and orange. Virginia Creeper climbs effortlessly using adhesive tendrils, making it perfect for covering walls, fences, or arbors without damaging surfaces like some other climbing vines. This fast-growing perennial vine also provides excellent wildlife habitat and food for birds.
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
3–10
USDA hardiness
Height
30-50 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Virginia Creeper in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 vine →Zone Map
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Virginia Creeper · Zones 3–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day), Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry, Occasionally Wet. Height: 30 ft. 0 in. - 50 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 5 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
In North Carolina, fruits are available from July to August. Blue-black berries (to 3/8” diameter) are hidden by the foliage and are often not visible until autumn leaf drop
Color: Black, Blue, Purple/Lavender. Type: Berry. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Showy
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
Edibility: toxic berries
History & Origin
Origin: Eastern Canada and United States to Mexico, North Carolina
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Compaction, Deer, Drought, Erosion, Heat, Heavy Shade, Pollution, Salt
- +Wildlife value: Its fruits are eaten by songbirds, squirrels, opossum, raccoons, and other mammals. Bees and other pollinators enjoy the nectar from the flowers.
- +Edible: toxic berries
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -Toxic (Fruits): High severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Oak Trees
Provides sturdy support structure and mimics natural woodland habitat
Maple Trees
Offers strong branching structure for climbing and partial shade tolerance
Wild Ginger
Thrives in similar woodland conditions and doesn't compete for climbing space
Ferns
Compatible ground cover that enjoys same moist, shaded conditions
Hostas
Complementary shade perennial that benefits from vine's natural habitat
Astilbe
Shares preference for partial shade and moist soil conditions
Coral Bells
Tolerates similar growing conditions and provides colorful ground layer
Wild Columbine
Native woodland companion that thrives in Virginia Creeper's natural environment
Keep Apart
Delicate Flowers
Vigorous growth can overwhelm and shade out smaller flowering plants
Young Shrubs
Heavy vine growth can smother and damage developing woody plants
Vegetables
Creates too much shade and competes aggressively for nutrients and space
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very hardy
Common Pests
Few pest problems, occasional leaf beetles
Diseases
Very disease resistant, rarely affected