False Ivy Description

Appearance

• Parthenocissus tricuspidata resembles ivy in appearance. However, it is deciduous--the foliage drops from the plant in the fall. The leaves have three lobes, like ivy, and are glossy green, red or purple as the seasons progress. "Atropupurea" has red leaves that turn purple in the summer, then red again before they drop in late fall. The sizes of the leaves range from very large--up to 10 inches across in "Green Showers"--to quite small. "Lowii," for example, has leaves that are only an inch or two in diameter. The vine itself can reach maximum heights and widths of 50 feet if conditions are right for optimum growth. In the fall, the vine produces clusters of dark blue-black berries.

Environment and Growth

• False ivy grows best in a temperate climate. The plant is hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8. The vine has small tendrils tipped with adhesive disks that will twine around support structures. This combination of climbing tools means that this vine can climb very quickly. False ivy will grow on masonry and possibly damage it, especially if it's painted, as well as up trees and even over windows.

Culture

• This plant thrives in cool, rich soil that is continually moist. It is hardy enough to grow in poor soil, however, especially once established. It is even tolerant of pollution and soot. False ivy will grow in full sun or part shade and can be heavily pruned to control its growth.

Problems

• This vine is very hardy and will grow just about anywhere. When planting, space it at least 15 feet from any structure that you don't want covered. False ivy can suffer from spider mites, scale insects and Japanese beetles, especially in hot, dry locations. In very wet locations, standing water on the foliage can lead to leaf spot, which in this plant is caused by the Guignardia fungus.