How to Grow and Care for Virginia Creeper

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a woody, deciduous vine that loses its leaves in the fall and regrows them in the spring. It's native to the eastern half of the United States and grows as both a climbing vine and ground cover in flatter areas to prevent soil erosion. It is easy to care for, adaptable to both sunny and shady spots, and frequently spotted climbing walls, trellises, trees, and fences.

The dark green foliage turns crimson red come fall, and unremarkable white flowers attract honey bees and other pollinators. Despite its low maintenance, Virginia creeper can easily take over your landscape, so stay diligent when planting and caring for the vine. Gardening experts we spoke to gave their best tips for growing healthy Virginia creeper plants.

How to Plant Virginia Creeper

Virginia creeper can be planted in the garden in USDA growing zones 3 to 10. It should be planted during spring or fall, which gives it time for the root to establish. 

From Container

If you purchased Virginia creeper in a container, it is easy to plant it in your garden. 

1. Gently remove the plant from its container.
2. Shake excess potting soil off the roots to help your plant adjust to its new surroundings. 
3. Dig a hole twice as wide and slightly deeper than the plant’s root system. 
4. Place the plant in the center of the hole. 
5. Backfill the hole with soil. 
6. Water deeply. 

From Seed

Although Virginia creeper is easily grown from cuttings, it can also be grown from seed. “Make sure the seeds have a cold winter,” says Lea Johnson, associate director of land stewardship and ecology at Longwood Gardens. “Collect in fall and overwinter in the refrigerator, or sow in fall.” 

1. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in well-draining soil. 
2. Water deeply once a week. 

How to Care for Virginia Creeper 

Though Virginia creeper is low maintenance, it can be a nuisance if not tended to properly. "The vine adheres to surfaces using aerial roots, so if homeowners provide it an area to grow up, such as covering trellises or fences, it will do its job," says Mary Phillips, senior director of Garden for Wildlife. If it’s not given a structure to climb, it may adhere to your home’s siding or gutters, which can be pulled down by its weight.

In addition to being selective about where you plant Virginia creeper, you’ll also need to be mindful of the plant’s soil, sunlight, water, temperature, and fertilizer requirements. 

Light

Virginia creeper isn’t picky about sunlight. “It will grow in a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to shade,” says Johnson. 

Soil

In addition to being fuss-free when it comes to light, Virginia creeper is also amenable to a variety of soil types. Its one requirement? The soil must be well-draining. Beyond that it can tolerate a range of soil pH levels and amendments. 

Water

Virginia creeper should be watered regularly after planting to help it get established. “Once established, watering is only necessary in extreme heat,” says Johnson. 

Fertilizer

As a fast grower, fertilizer often isn’t needed, but it can still be useful when used conservatively. “To encourage the most vigorous growth, fertilize Virginia creeper annually in the spring,” says Johnson. An all-purpose granular fertilizer is suitable for Virginia creeper. 

Temperature 

The climbing plant tolerates a range of temperatures as long as soil moisture is sufficient. “Virginia creeper is found in the wild in open woods, forest edges, sunny clearings, roadsides, and floodplains,” says Johnson. It can survive in a range of climates, from hot and humid to cold and snowy.

How to Prune Virginia Creeper

Virginia creeper rarely needs pruning unless it takes over an area where it is unwanted. "In that case, prune away small stems at any time," Phillips says. "In early spring, you can do a hard prune, cutting back to one-third of the plant if necessary. Remove any stems that show fungal disease or black spot to prevent spreading." When pruning, also look for vines that have become detached from a surface, as they will not reattach, Johnson says. 

How to Propagate

Want to give Virginia creeper to friends and family? The plant is easily propagated by cuttings, says Johnson.

1. Cut a 1-foot long stem at its base, making sure there are a few tendril and leaf nodes near the base of the stem. 
2. Remove the leaves from the bottom third of the stem. 
3. Dip the cut end of the stem in root hormone. 
4. Plant the stem 3 inches deep in potting soil. 
5. Water thoroughly. 
6. Once the plant has established a root system, it can be planted outdoors.
   

Common Problems With Virginia Creeper

Virginia creeper is susceptible to a few plant diseases, including leaf spot, powdery mildew, canker fungus, and anthracnose. Remove any infected leaves to reduce the spread, says Johnson. You may also encounter some common bugs, like caterpillars, native moths, butterflies, leaf-cutting bees, and leafhoppers—all pests that eat the leaves of Virginia creeper. "Because this plant is pretty tough and often used in natural areas, many gardeners choose not to treat pests," says Johnson. However, you can treat pests by plucking them off and rubbing the leaves with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.