Boston ivy is a wonderful , rearing , climbing leaf plant , typically used to clothe big , onetime houses . Like the Virginia creeper , which is very similar to it , it is a sight to see in the fall when its shiny green leave-taking turn flaming ruddy and orangish before falling off .
Virginia tree creeper and Boston common ivy are both in the same family . Boston common ivy can plow more shade and does n’t flower as often . Because it grow so quick and is so big , it works good in bigger garden , and it takes a circle of oeuvre to keep its increment under control .
Boston ivy can be grown in the same positioning as English English ivy ( Hedera coil ) . Both are shade tolerant . you’re able to grow either English or Boston ivy , bet on your tastes . English common ivy stays green all year , while Boston ivy loses its leaves in the fall . Many kinds of wildlife can eat and live in English Hedera helix , but Boston common ivy does n’t offer as many choice for wildlife . Boston ivy gets red-faced leaf in the fall , but only if it is growing in some shadiness . English Hedera helix , on the other hand , stays green all class .
When it comes to lush , climb leaf to accent your outdoor space , two vines digest out Boston Hedera helix and Virginia crawler . Both volunteer beautiful green insurance coverage and fantabulous climbing ability using aeriform roots and tendrils . But primal differences in appearance , develop habits , and guardianship mean your selection comes down to your specific needs and preference . This in - deepness compare spotlight everything you need to cognize to take the right vine for your landscape painting .
At a Glance: Boston Ivy vs Virginia Creeper
Boston Ivy
Virginia Creeper
Delving Into the Details: Key Differences
Beyond their canonical similarities as climbing deciduous vines , Boston ivy and Virginia creeper exhibit far-famed differences Here ’s an in - depth look at how these two popular vines compare
Appearance
Leaf embodiment – The classic 3 - pointed ivy foliage shape of Boston ivy resembles a maple foliage . Meanwhile , Virginia creeper has 5 disjoined , digit - corresponding leaflet in a palmate arrangement .
Fruit – Boston ivy bears dark blue Berry on red stems . Virginia creeper produces dark purple Chuck Berry cluster .
surrender colour – Boston Hedera helix turns a bright ruby red in autumn . Virginia creeper puts on a show of ruby , purple , and burgundy foliage .
Growth Habit
amphetamine – Boston ivy is dumb maturate than Virginia creeper . It can take twelvemonth to establish and altogether cover a structure .
Spread – Left uncurbed , Virginia creeper can sharply distribute beyond its intended place . Boston ivy has a neater , more contained growth use .
Climbing method – Both use aerial attachments , but Boston Hedera helix uses adhesive tendril while Virginia tree creeper clings via aerial rootlets .
Growing Conditions
Boston ivy put up partial shade but does good in full sun . Virginia creeper adapts promptly to shade and sun .
Virginia creeper has greater cold hardiness , surviving as low as USDA geographical zone 3 . Boston ivy get as a perennial down to zone 4 .
Maintenance and Care
Prune both vine back each year before new growth emerges to control cattle farm .
Virginia creeper may take more frequent pruning to keep its rapid increment in impediment .
Take upkeep not to overwater either vine . Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings .
Toxicity
Ingesting Boston English ivy may do digestive upset but is not earnestly toxic .
All parts of Virginia creeper , especially the berries , are extremely toxic if eat on and can be fatal .
Choosing the Right Vine for Your Needs
For covering fences , arbors , brick walls , and other social system in your chiliad , both Boston English ivy and Virginia crawler offer lush unripe leaf and bright fall coloring material . But habituate this breakdown to determine which vine fit your specific landscape gardening prerequisite :
For quicker coverage , choose riotous - growingVirginia crawler .
If you prefer sizable , non - invasive ontogenesis , go withBoston common ivy .
In cold wintertime regions , opt for hardyVirginia creeper .
For full Dominicus photo , Boston ivythrives .
Where kids or pets may be scupper , non - toxicBoston ivyis safer .
Around trees and worthy planting , Boston ivy’sless trespassing habit cause less interference .
With the right pick and concern , these beautiful mounting vines total a exuberant , green backdrop and spectacular capitulation interest to your garden .
How to plant Boston ivy
plant life in autumn or give for the practiced results . Improve soil by dig in mass of constituent matter beforehand , and water in well . help oneself it develop for the first two years with cane or a small-scale piece of trellis until it grows suckers that bond to the fence or paries .
How to grow and care for Boston ivy
raise Boston ivy in moist but well - enfeeble soil in full sun to fill in . For the first couple of years , support it with something like a small treillage until it set out to vex to the rampart or wall itself . Throughout summertime you may require to tie in or move out wayward shoots , along with dead or discredited leaves . Then , in the fall , cut it back to keep its growth in halt . If it ’s growing up a mansion , make certain it does n’t get too close to the windows or trough .
Boston Ivy & Virginia Creeper at Plantmark Wholesale Nuseries
FAQ
What is the divergence between Boston Ivy and Virginia crawler ?
What is the downside of Boston Ivy ?
What mature quicker , Boston Ivy or Virginia creeper ?
What does Boston Ivy look like in winter ?
