Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Boston Ivy) is a climbing vine that is native to eastern Asian countries including Japan, Korea and China. Boston Ivy is a fast-growing deciduous plant that is widely grown as an ornamental for its spectacular green and red foliage. It is also used as a natural insulator by shading the walls of buildings throughout the warmer months. Recently, Boston Ivy has become a popular variety for Bonsai enthusiasts.
Suitable for Temperate and Sub-Tropical climates.
Also commonly known as Japanese Ivy, Japanese Creeper and Grape Ivy and is part of the grape family.
For more varieties that are ideal for bonsai growing click here.
Growth
Parthenocissus tricuspidata is a deciduous fast-growing climber that can reach a maximum width of up to 15 metres (49 feet). It is a perennial woody vine that uses round pad-like suckers to stick to walls, buildings or fence palings to spread its reach.
The leaves are simple, palmately lobed with three or five lobes and can range between 5-22cm (2-8 inches) in size. Like many deciduous plants the leaves grow green in Spring and turn a bright red in the Autumn. Flowers often grow in clusters of green and a rather inconspicuous. Eventually, they become small dark blue fruits that are grape-like up to 10mm (3/8 inch).
Although Boston Ivy is known for its cold hardiness it is recommended to mulch the base if temperatures were to drop below -5°C (23°F). This species can be used as a climber or as ground cover as long as it is provided with a sunny location.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Vitaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold and Temperate climate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-15 to 30°C / 5 to 85°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil should be well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 15 metres (49 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 15 metres (49 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous climber
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by bees, moths and butterflies.
MATURITY:
5-7 Years
GERMINATION RATES:
45-60%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak 24 hours
Cold Stratification for 12 weeks, post sowing germination averages around 3-4 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium-Hard
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 20
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes
EDIBLE:
No.
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT PARTHENOCISSUS TRICUSPIDATA (Boston Ivy)
The Greek and Latin derived tricuspidata translates to three-pointed in reference to the shape of the plants’ leaves. The genus Parthenocissus is derived from two Greek translations, Parthenos meaning virgin or chaste while the cissus comes from kissos meaning vine.
Boston Ivy is closely related to the Virginia Creeper which is also widely grown for its climbing and ornamental Boston Ivy is distinguished from the Virginia Creeper by its simple leaves with pointed lobes as compared to the Creeper where the leaves are divided into five separate leaflets.
