Boston ivy is a wonderful, rampant, climbing foliage plant, typically used to clothe large, old houses. Like closely related Virginia creeper, it makes a real spectacle in autumn, when its glossy green leaves leaves turn fiery shades of red and orange, before falling.
Boston ivy is in the same family as Virginia creeper, but is more shade tolerant and doesnt tend to bear berries. Being so rampant and large, its best suited to larger gardens, and it needs quite a bit of maintenance to keep its growth in check.
Boston ivy can be grown in the same location as English ivy (Hedera helix). Both are shade tolerant. Choosing whether to grow Boston ivy or English ivy depends on your preferences: English ivy is evergreen while Boston ivy is deciduous. English ivy provides food and homes for a huge range of wildlife while Boston ivy has fewer options for wildlife. Boston ivy does develop reddish leaves in autumn but only if growing in partial sunshine, while English ivy remains green all year round.
Boston Ivy vs Virginia Creeper: How to Tell the Difference and Choose the Right One for Your Garden
Boston ivy and Virginia creeper are two of the most popular climbing vines for gardens, but it can be tricky to tell the difference between them at first glance. While both have gorgeous fall foliage, these vines have some key differences when it comes to appearance, growing conditions, hardiness, and care. Read on to learn how to distinguish these two vines and decide which is better for your landscape.
Appearance and Growth Habit
The most noticeable difference between Boston ivy and Virginia creeper is the shape of their leaves Boston ivy has three-lobed leaves similar in shape to maple leaves Virginia creeper’s leaves have five leaflets similar to fingers on a hand,
Both vines are deciduous, losing their leaves in fall. But while Boston ivy drops its leaves all at once in autumn, Virginia creeper sheds its leaves gradually.
These vines also climb differently. Boston ivy attaches itself using sticky tendrils or disks. As it matures, Virginia creeper produces sticky aerial rootlets that allow it to grip surfaces as it climbs. Virginia creeper has a looser, wilder growth habit compared to Boston ivy’s tidier form.
Hardiness and Growing Conditions
Boston ivy and Virginia creeper have slightly different growing requirements. Boston ivy thrives in full sun but also tolerates partial shade. It prefers moist well-draining soil but adapts to a range of soil conditions. Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, this vine can survive cold winters.
Meanwhile, Virginia creeper is even hardier, suited for USDA zones 3-9. It tolerates partial shade better than Boston ivy. Virginia creeper adapts well to various soils and excels in hot, humid conditions. It also handles pollution and salt spray better than Boston ivy.
Fall Color
One of the best reasons to grow Boston ivy or Virginia creeper is for their stunning fall foliage. When autumn arrives, Boston ivy transforms into brilliant crimson and red tones. Virginia creeper puts on a show as well, turning shades of red, purple, and burgundy. Both offer eye-catching color just when the garden needs it most.
Growth Rate and Invasiveness
Boston ivy is prized for its tidy, controlled growth habit. It spreads slowly and shouldn’t overtake the garden. On the other hand, Virginia creeper can grow aggressively. Without pruning, it can take over areas quickly, crowding out other plants. For this reason, Virginia creeper is considered invasive in some regions. Boston ivy is a better choice if you’re looking for a more contained look.
Toxicity
While both vines produce dark berry-like fruits, Virginia creeper’s berries are highly toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Boston ivy’s berries are also toxic but less dangerous if consumed. Neither vine is ideal if curious kids or pets will have access. But Virginia creeper’s extreme toxicity makes it a riskier choice overall.
Using Boston Ivy and Virginia Creeper in Your Landscape
With their showy foliage and fall color, Boston ivy and Virginia creeper offer ornamental appeal to outdoor spaces. Here are some tips for using these vines successfully in your garden:
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Grow Boston ivy or Virginia creeper along fences, trellises, pergolas, or arbors. They’ll quickly cover these structures with greenery and color.
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Plant Virginia creeper for erosion control on slopes and embankments. Its dense growth helps retain soil.
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Use Boston ivy to cover unsightly walls and add vertical interest. Its tidy growth habit keeps it in check.
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Grow Virginia creeper as a groundcover. It spreads aggressively but offers weed suppression.
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Pair bright red Virginia creeper with shrubs and trees that offer yellow or orange fall foliage.
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Situate Boston ivy or Virginia creeper where their fall color can be viewed up close.
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Prune regularly to keep growth in check and prevent these vigorous vines from invading other plantings.
Key Differences: Boston Ivy vs. Virginia Creeper
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Leaf shape: Boston ivy has 3-lobed leaves. Virginia creeper has 5 leaflets.
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Climbing method: Boston ivy uses sticky tendrils. Virginia creeper uses aerial rootlets.
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Fall color: Boston ivy turns red and crimson. Virginia creeper becomes red, purple, and burgundy.
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Growth rate: Boston ivy spreads slowly. Virginia creeper grows aggressively.
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Hardiness: Boston ivy grows in zones 4-8. Virginia creeper tolerates zones 3-9.
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Toxicity: Virginia creeper berries are highly toxic if ingested. Boston ivy is less dangerous.
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Light needs: Boston ivy thrives in full sun. Virginia creeper handles partial shade better.
Make the Right Choice for Your Garden
When choosing between Boston ivy and Virginia creeper, consider your climate, desired maintenance level, garden layout, and the presence of kids and pets. Boston ivy is a great choice where tidy growth and low toxicity are preferred. If you have the space for a rampant spreader and want maximum hardiness, go for Virginia creeper. Whichever vine you select, provide structural support for these climbers, and prune regularly to keep their growth under control. With the right care, both can be outstanding additions that deliver striking fall foliage.
Where to grow Boston ivy
Boston ivy will tolerate most garden soils. Its ideal for a position in full sun or shade, but bear in mind that its autumn foliage wont be as impressive if growing in a shady spot. Being such a vigorous plant it will need a large wall – an obelisk or trellis will not do.
How to propagate Boston ivy
Boston ivy is a self-layer. This simply means that if a stem touches soil, it develops roots. In order to produce more plants, dig up a self-rooted stem. Cut away from the parent plants and pot on. You can do this anytime, so keep an eye out for rooted stems. Follow our guide to taking summer cuttings.
Boson ivy is rarely troubled by pests or diseases. However vine weevil may nick the leaves and lay eggs in the soil, the grubs of which may eat the roots and weaken the plant. This isnt usually a problem for a plant as vigorous as Boston ivy, however.
Boston Ivy & Virginia Creeper at Plantmark Wholesale Nuseries
FAQ
What is the downside of Boston ivy?
This ivy isn’t considered toxic, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a bother. Invasive in some areas, Boston ivy can damage wood, shingles, gutters or painted surfaces. Discover easy ways to use vining plants all around your garden.
Will Boston ivy grow in full shade?
Sunlight – Boston Ivy can take a wide range of sun exposure, from full sun to partial sun, but it does best in full sun. Watering – These plants should be well-watered when first planted in order to get established. Once the plants get going, there is no need to worry about watering unless there is a severe drought.
Is Boston ivy invasive in the US?
Boston Ivy is considered an invasive plant and was brought to Massachusetts from Japan, but its invasiveness is considerably short-lived. Once Boston Ivy spreads out of its boundaries, it will quickly succumb to native vines.
What are the disadvantages of Virginia creepers?
It is well proven that Virginia Creeper can cause a rash in some people and that rash can look very much like a poison ivy rash with fluid filled papules and be severe to the point you should go to the doctor. Debra Pulver in our home gardens pruning is very important to control growth.
What does Boston ivy look like?
Leaf shape – The classic 3-pointed ivy leaf shape of Boston ivy resembles a maple leaf. Meanwhile, Virginia creeper has 5 separate, finger-like leaflets in a palmate arrangement. Fruit – Boston ivy bears dark blue berries on red stems. Virginia creeper produces dark purple berry clusters.
Is Boston ivy more shade tolerant than Virginia creeper?
While both plants can tolerate shade, Boston ivy is generally more shade tolerant than Virginia creeper. This means that Boston ivy can thrive in areas with less sunlight, making it a great choice for gardens that have limited exposure to the sun. Another difference between the two plants is their fruit production.
Are Boston ivy & Virginia creeper a good climbing vine?
Both Boston Ivy and Virginia Creeper are popular climbing vines to dress up your outdoor spaces, but you must know one vs another to fit them in different landscapes.
Are Boston ivy and Virginia creeper invasive?
If you are concerned about the spread and want neat and tidy growth in your outdoor space, Boston Ivy can be the perfect choice. This plant has a slow spread. Meanwhile, Virginia Creeper has a fast spread, and the growth can be a nuisance in some areas. As the plant is invasive, it can outcompete other plants in your garden.
Is Boston ivy tricuspidata or Virginia creeper?
So is it Boston ivy, Parthenocissus tricuspidata or Virginia creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia? Although I sometimes see Virginia creeper with three leaflets, it almost always has five leaflets. And although Boston ivy almost always has a single three-lobed leaf, the young vine often has three leaflets.
Are Virginia creeper Ivy a good plant?
This can be an advantage for those who prefer a cleaner look in their garden, as the absence of berries means less potential mess. In terms of growth habit, both Virginia creeper and Boston ivy are known for their rampant growth. They are vigorous climbers that can quickly cover walls, fences, and other structures.