Virginia creeper – Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Virginia creeper climbs with its tendrils and can reach 15 m. Its dense foliage shelters birds, lizards and insects. In autumn, its large palmate leaves take on flamboyant colours.

• Botanical name: Parthenocissus quinquefolia
• Hardiness: very hardy, down to −25 °C
• Height: up to 15 m
• Foliage: deciduous, glossy green, flaming red in autumn
• Warning: toxic berries, keep out of reach of children

In the garden

Plant it at the foot of its support, in sun or partial shade, in fertile, well-drained soil. On a smooth wall, a trellis helps it get started. Water during the first months; once established, it grows on its own and does not suffer from diseases.

The plant you receive

15 to 25 cm, with a root ball or bare-root depending on the season.

A farm-grown plant raised outdoors at 1,000 m altitude in the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park: never in a heated greenhouse, fed with organic fertiliser only and grown following permaculture principles.