What soil does Virginia creeper grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Virginia creeper hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How much water does Virginia creeper need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Virginia creeper cost?

It sells for roughly PLN 19 to PLN 38 in local shops, depending on size.

Virginia creeper

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a climber. Light: full sun, part shade, shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about PLN 19. It may be planted in a garden, but it is on the Hungarian list of invasive species: it may not be planted on public ground and can escape from gardens, so plant it only with care, away from natural habitats.

Illustration of Virginia creeper — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A very fast, deciduous climber with flaming red autumn colour that copes with almost any soil in sun or shade. It climbs with tendrils ending in adhesive pads, so it goes up walls and fences on its own, but higher up it is worth backing it with wires or a trellis because the heavy mat of foliage can peel away. It needs cutting back every year or it will swallow gutters, windows and neighbouring plants; do not plant it near woodland or riverside habitats, as birds spread the seed.

Fine in a garden, but it can escape

It is on the Hungarian list of invasive plants: it may not be planted on public ground, but it may in a private garden. Do not plant it near natural habitats, woodland or water, keep its fruit and clippings inside the garden, and pull out the seedlings and suckers that come up. The garden planner does not put it into a plan on its own, but it goes in if you ask for it by name.

Watch out for

It escapes from gardens in Central Europe: Parthenocissus species are on the Hungarian list of invasive plants and their sale is restricted in some nearby countries. The very similar thicket creeper (Parthenocissus inserta), which is widespread in floodplain forests, is often sold under the same name, so plant neither of them near natural habitats. On buildings the adhesive pads leave marks and can pull off paint and loose render when removed, and it is unsuitable for timber or shingle cladding. Shoots creep into gaps and under roof tiles, and once it reaches the eaves it blocks gutters and runs over shutters and cables, so cut it back below the roofline every year. Mildew and leaf spots occur but are rarely serious.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 10 m × 3 m
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–July, green

All details

Group	Climber
Light	Full sun, Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	10 m × 3 m
Ultimate size	9–15 m × 1.5–3 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–July, green
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	Leaves, Fruit
Planting distance	300 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Toxic
Typical price	from about PLN 19

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

For the same purpose, without the spreading

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Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. PLN 19 – PLN 38

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made