Veitchii Boston Ivy Plants

Parthenocissus Tricuspidata 'Veitchii'

Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Veitchii', native to China and Japan, is an elegant climber with lovely fresh green three lobed leaves during the summer that turn the most magnificent burgundy in autumn.

A close cousin of the better known Virginia Creeper, it is perfect for a wall, including a north or north-east wall, to cover a shed or outbuilding or even growing into a large tree. Its vigour and size, up to 70' at maturity, makes it unsuitable for a small garden. It is tolerant of any decently drained soil and aspect, but the autumn colour is best in a shady situation. If you are far up North, it prefers a wee bit of shelter from the prevailing wind, but otherwise is totally hardy.

Browse our full range of climbing plants.

It will need a little support during the first couple of years but, after that, will be totally self-supporting. It clings by means of sticky pads on tendrils and, unlike ivy, which can send its roots into crumbling mortar, is not structurally harmful in the majority of cases; I have seen a very old specimen damage a weak gutter with a combination of its weight and by growing between the gutter and the wall, thus pushing the gutter off its supports, but then you shouldn't let plants grow all over your gutters in the first place. 

Great for your garden:

Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Veitchii' is a very tolerant climbing plant being happy in most soils and situations and will clothe a large wall with neat, elegant and quite beautiful bright green leaves that turn a lovely deep burgundy highlighted with oranges and yellows in autumn.

It needs space as it can exceed 70' although it will stay tight to a wall and can cover a large area in one season. It is also an excellent way to disguise an ugly shed or outbuilding and can be grown into a large strong tree. It does not relish competition and is best on its own.

Characteristics:

• Deciduous with brilliant autumn colour
• Good in any position where it has space
• Will grow to 70' and is fast growing
• Insignificant flowers and small black berries after a hot summer
• Self-supporting after establishment
• Good disease resistance
• Wonderful habitat for birds and insects
• Rabbit and deer proof
• Tolerates pollution
• Lobed tri-foliate leaves

Look out for:

Practically disease free.

Trivia:

Introduced by John Veitch of Killerton in Devon. Veitch Nurseries were responsible for introducing plants from all over the world, sending out plant hunters on contract to supply a novelty hungry Victorian market. One of their imports, The Monkey Puzzle Tree, took Victorian England by storm, and the presence of a mature tree usually dates the origins of a garden to his period.