Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Vitaceae family, native to Eastern North America to Central America. 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 -38 °C (-36 °F). Space plants about 4 m (13 ft) apart.
Plan Virginia creeper in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Virginia creeper 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 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -38 °C (-36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| 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 | Eastern North America to Central America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇵🇱 Poland |
| Invasive in | parts of Europe and China: check local rules before planting |
Is Virginia creeper toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: berries
Berries contain oxalates and are poisonous to people and pets (birds eat them).
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 Virginia creeper
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Virginia creeper
- How far apart should I plant Virginia creeper?
- About 4 m (13 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–10 m (16–33 ft).
- Does Virginia creeper need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Virginia creeper need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Virginia creeper?
- It tolerates about -38 °C (-36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Virginia creeper flower?
- From about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Virginia creeper poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Berries contain oxalates and are poisonous to people and pets (birds eat them).
- What grows well with Virginia creeper?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Virginia creeper. 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
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Five-leaflet leaves turn brilliant crimson in autumn; climbs by tendrils with adhesive pads. Not poison ivy, which has three leaflets.
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
- Boston ivy Parthenocissus tricuspidata
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius