Boston ivy is a wonderful, rampant, climbing foliage plant, typically used to clothe large, old houses. Like the Virginia creeper, which is very similar to it, it is a sight to see in the fall when its shiny green leaves turn fiery red and orange before falling off.
Virginia creeper and Boston ivy are both in the same family. Boston ivy can handle more shade and doesn’t flower as often. Because it grows so quickly and is so big, it works best in bigger gardens, and it takes a lot of work to keep its growth under control.
Boston ivy can be grown in the same location as English ivy (Hedera helix). Both are shade tolerant. You can grow either English or Boston ivy, depending on your tastes. English ivy stays green all year, while Boston ivy loses its leaves in the fall. Many kinds of wildlife can eat and live in English ivy, but Boston ivy doesn’t offer as many options for wildlife. Boston ivy gets red leaves in the fall, but only if it is growing in some shade. English ivy, on the other hand, stays green all year.
When it comes to lush, climbing foliage to accent your outdoor space, two vines stand out Boston ivy and Virginia creeper. Both offer beautiful green coverage and excellent climbing ability using aerial roots and tendrils. But key differences in appearance, growing habits, and care mean your choice comes down to your specific needs and preferences. This in-depth comparison highlights everything you need to know to choose the right vine for your landscape.
At a Glance: Boston Ivy vs Virginia Creeper
Boston Ivy
- Originates from East Asia
- Classic 3-pointed, lobed ivy leaf
- Dark blue berry fruits
- Brilliant red fall color
- Slower growth rate
- Lower spread/less invasive
- Attaches via adhesive tendrils
- Slightly toxic if ingested
Virginia Creeper
- Native to Eastern/Central North America
- 5-leaflet palmate leaves
- Dark purple berry fruits
- Red/burgundy fall foliage
- More vigorous growth habit
- Can become aggressively invasive
- Attaches via aerial rootlets
- Highly toxic if ingested
Delving Into the Details: Key Differences
Beyond their basic similarities as climbing deciduous vines, Boston ivy and Virginia creeper exhibit notable differences Here’s an in-depth look at how these two popular vines compare
Appearance
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Leaf shape – The classic 3-pointed ivy leaf shape of Boston ivy resembles a maple leaf. Meanwhile, Virginia creeper has 5 separate, finger-like leaflets in a palmate arrangement.
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Fruit – Boston ivy bears dark blue berries on red stems. Virginia creeper produces dark purple berry clusters.
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Fall color – Boston ivy turns a brilliant crimson red in autumn. Virginia creeper puts on a show of red, purple, and burgundy foliage.
Growth Habit
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Speed – Boston ivy is slower growing than Virginia creeper. It can take years to establish and completely cover a structure.
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Spread – Left unchecked, Virginia creeper can aggressively spread beyond its intended space. Boston ivy has a neater, more contained growth habit.
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Climbing method – Both use aerial attachments, but Boston ivy uses adhesive tendrils while Virginia creeper clings via aerial rootlets.
Growing Conditions
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Boston ivy tolerates partial shade but does best in full sun. Virginia creeper adapts readily to shade and sun.
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Virginia creeper has greater cold hardiness, surviving as low as USDA zone 3. Boston ivy grows as a perennial down to zone 4.
Maintenance and Care
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Prune both vines back each year before new growth emerges to control spread.
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Virginia creeper may need more frequent pruning to keep its rapid growth in check.
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Take care not to overwater either vine. Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings.
Toxicity
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Ingesting Boston ivy may cause digestive upset but is not seriously toxic.
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All parts of Virginia creeper, especially the berries, are highly toxic if eaten and can be fatal.
Choosing the Right Vine for Your Needs
For covering fences, arbors, brick walls, and other structures in your yard, both Boston ivy and Virginia creeper offer lush green foliage and brilliant fall color. But use this breakdown to determine which vine suits your specific landscaping requirements:
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For quicker coverage, choose fast-growing Virginia creeper.
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If you prefer tidy, non-invasive growth, go with Boston ivy.
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In cold winter regions, opt for hardy Virginia creeper.
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For full sun exposures, Boston ivy thrives.
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Where kids or pets may be exposed, non-toxic Boston ivy is safer.
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Around trees and desirable plantings, Boston ivy’s less invasive habit causes less interference.
With the right choice and care, these beautiful climbing vines add a lush, green backdrop and spectacular fall interest to your garden.
How to plant Boston ivy
Plant in autumn or spring for the best results. Improve soil by digging in plenty of organic matter beforehand, and water in well. Help it grow for the first two years with canes or a small piece of trellis until it grows suckers that stick to the fence or wall.
How to grow and care for Boston ivy
Grow Boston ivy in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to shade. For the first couple of years, support it with something like a small trellis until it starts to stick to the wall or fence itself. Throughout summer you may want to tie in or remove wayward shoots, along with dead or damaged leaves. Then, in the fall, cut it back to keep its growth in check. If it’s growing up a house, make sure it doesn’t get too close to the windows or gutters.
Boston Ivy & Virginia Creeper at Plantmark Wholesale Nuseries
FAQ
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