Autumn has definitely arrived and with it comes the gorgeous autumnal shades of reds, oranges and amber. One of my favourite sights is that of a house or smallbuilding covered in the vibrant tones of the climbing plant Parthenocissus.
Parthenocissus henryana (Chinese Virginia Creeper) with it five fingered leaf which is dark green in spring and summer with each leaf having a silver-white vein down the centre which in autumn turn purple red then scarlet orange before falling.
Image credit: Roseland House
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) is a vigorous large deciduous climber again the leaves with five ovate leaflets (fingers is the less technical term), turning bright red and orange in autumn. Faster growing and up to 30ft tall with broader leaves this plant offers great cover for walls.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia ‘Troki’
Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Boston Ivy) generally comes in green but if you want something different how about the the glowing, yellow-green of ‘Fenway Park’ which will climb any vertical surface and can reach up to 40 ft in height. Once autumn arrives it develops the same gorgeous autumnal colours.
These vibrant climbers will cope in full sun to full shade however for the best autumn colour, site in partial shade or full shade. So add some living colour to your walls and enjoy the show.
Reading this post just reminded me I’ve been meaning to plant one on the gable wall of our sheds, the vibrancy of the autumn leaves as the sunshine falls on them can be quite breathtaking, thank you 🙂
Lovely to hear that the post is inspiring you to post this lovely plant. Enjoy and thank you.