Digging deeperPlant Library

Englemann Ivy in fall

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Other Names:  Woodbine, Virginia Creeper

Description:

A popular, tough and hardy vine for screening, excellent along fences and arbors, up the sides of houses or climbing trees; features large five-lobed leaves that turn red and purple in fall, small black berries; self-clinging, extremely adaptable

Ornamental Features

Englemann Ivy has dark green deciduous foliage which emerges brick red in spring on a plant with a spreading habit of growth. The large serrated palmate leaves turn an outstanding red in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Englemann Ivy is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous woody vine with a twining and trailing habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This woody vine will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Englemann Ivy is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Englemann Ivy will grow to be about 40 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. As a climbing vine, it tends to be leggy near the base and should be underplanted with low-growing facer plants. It should be planted near a fence, trellis or other landscape structure where it can be trained to grow upwards on it, or allowed to trail off a retaining wall or slope. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This woody vine does best in partial shade to shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.