Boston ivy Parthenocissus tricuspidata
Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Vitaceae family, native to Japan, Korea and eastern China. It grows 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall and 5–10 m (16–33 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 4 m (13 ft) apart.
Plan Boston ivy in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Boston ivy at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Vitaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 m (33–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–10 m (16–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 4 m (13 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan, Korea and eastern China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Boston ivy toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: berries
Berries contain oxalates; mildly toxic.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Boston ivy
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Boston ivy
- How far apart should I plant Boston ivy?
- About 4 m (13 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–10 m (16–33 ft).
- Does Boston ivy need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Boston ivy need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Boston ivy?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Boston ivy flower?
- From about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Boston ivy poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Berries contain oxalates; mildly toxic.
- What grows well with Boston ivy?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Boston ivy. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- The self-clinging wall cover of Ivy League campuses and Wrigley Field; glossy three-lobed leaves turn scarlet. Keep out of gutters and window frames.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Grapevine Vitis vinifera
- Muscadine grape Vitis rotundifolia
- Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius