Can Virginia Creeper Climb a Bare Wood Wall?

About Virginia Creeper

• Often confused with poison ivy, another native plant that grows in similar conditions, Virginia creeper, also called woodbine, is identified by its five-leaflet, compound leaves; poison ivy has three leaflets. This fast-growing vine has inconspicuous, yellow flowers in midsummer, followed by ornamental, purple-black berries in the fall. The foliage turns deep burgundy-red in the fall. There is one named cultivar, Monham (also sold as Star Showers and Variegata), which is less vigorous and has variegated white and green foliage with a pink undertone. Virginia creeper is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant zones 3 through 9.

How Virginia Creeper Climbs

• Virginia creeper climbs with branched tendrils, each ending in a suction cup-like, adhesive disk. The aerial tendrils are bright, brownish-orange when new, then fade to gray-brown. These holdfasts allow the vine to climb up virtually any surface, including trees, walls, trellises and buildings. The adhesive holdfasts do a good job and are difficult to remove, so site Virginia creeper carefully.

Size and Habit

• Without something to climb, Virginia creeper spreads over the ground, creating a dense ground cover. However, with a sturdy support, the vine quickly climbs 30 to 50 feet high. Mature vines can be several inches in diameter.

The Bottom Line

• Virginia creeper will indeed climb a bare wood wall, as well as stucco and brick. With its suction cup-like aerial roots, Virginia creeper doesn't need small-diameter support as vines with curling tendrils do. The adhesive disks on the aerial roots will even cling to smooth surfaces.