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Climber

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 HUF 3,000. We do not recommend it because it is on the EU or the Hungarian list of invasive species.

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.

We do not recommend this plant
We do not recommend it because it is on the EU or the Hungarian list of invasive species. Further down we show what to plant instead.
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
May–July, green
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 HUF 3,000

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

What to plant instead

Recommended plants that do the same job, with similar characteristics.

Illustration of Boston ivy

Boston ivy

Parthenocissus tricuspidata 10 m × 5 m after 10 years

A vigorous deciduous climber that clings on its own to brick, stone and concrete with adhesive pads at the tips of its tendrils, so it covers a…

Climber
Full sun
Part shade
Shade
from about HUF 6,300
Illustration of Hybrid trumpet vine

Hybrid trumpet vine

Campsis × tagliabuana 6 m × 3 m after 10 years

A vigorous deciduous woody climber that carries large salmon to orange-red trumpet flowers at the shoot tips from midsummer into autumn; the flowers…

Climber
Full sun
Part shade
from about HUF 9,000
Illustration of Trumpet vine

Trumpet vine

Campsis radicans 7 m × 3 m after 10 years

A very vigorous deciduous climber that clings to walls, fences and tree trunks with aerial roots and carries clusters of orange-red trumpet flowers…

Climber
Full sun
Part shade
from about HUF 9,000
Illustration of Climbing hydrangea

Climbing hydrangea

Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris 5 m × 3 m after 10 years

A deciduous climbing shrub for a shady, north or east facing wall: it clings by itself to brick, stone and tree trunks with aerial roots and bears…

Climber
Part shade
Shade
from about HUF 6,000

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
40-60 cm approx. HUF 3,500
100 cm approx. HUF 3,000
size not stated approx. HUF 3,800 – HUF 6,000

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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