Parthenocissus quinquefolia

A vigorous climber that transforms walls and pergolas with lush green foliage, turning brilliant crimson and burgundy in autumn. Fast-growing and dramatic, it delivers one of the most striking seasonal displays of any plant in the garden.

Virginia creeper is a vigorous self-clinging deciduous climber that produces its most spectacular display in autumn — the five-lobed leaves turn brilliant crimson-scarlet from October to November in the Mediterranean before falling. Through summer the dark green foliage forms a dense cool cover; small inconspicuous flowers in summer are followed by dark blue berries attractive to birds in autumn. Hardy to -25°C, the plant tolerates poor soils, drought once established, urban pollution, shade and full sun equally; it actually performs better with at least afternoon shade in the hottest Mediterranean regions, where excessive sun can scorch the leaves before the autumn colour develops.

Virginia creeper climbs 10–15 m by adhesive tendrils, attaching directly to walls, fences, pergolas, dead trees and other supports without need of wires. Use it to soften and cool large blank walls — east and north-facing aspects work best in hot Mediterranean climates — to cover unsightly outbuildings and garage walls, to drape over pergolas where its autumn colour will be appreciated from below, and to mask chain-link boundary fences. The deciduous habit means the wall behind warms in winter sun. Plant for the autumn colour: the dramatic crimson-scarlet display is the main event of the year. The adhesive disks can leave marks on painted surfaces when removed.