Winter Creeper Bushes

Foliage

• Wintercreepers are easily distinguished from similar plant species by the size, shape and pattern of their foliage. The leaves, which emerge in pairs on opposite sides of the stems, have an elliptical or ovoid shape and can grow up to 2 inches long. They are rough textured and their edges are noticeably serrated. The veins that run down the middle of the leaves are light yellow, which contrasts sharply with the dark green of the rest of the leaf's surface.

Flowers and Fruit

• Wintercreeper flowers bloom in early summer, usually late May or June, but are often camouflaged or obscured by the leaves and stems. The blossoms, which emerge in small clumps, are less than half an inch in diameter. Their dull light green color causes them to blend in with the plant's dense foliage. The fruits are also relatively small, often barely more than 1/4 inch wide, but are more vibrant than the flowers. As the fruit reaches maturity in late summer, their skin turns to a yellow or orange color. The flesh of the fruit beneath the skin is a brighter, redder shade of orange.

Growth and Propagation

• The wintercreeper's long, woody stems are the foundation for the plant's entire structure. These tendrils can grow well over 40 feet long and can scale, and eventually cover, walls and other vertical structures.The roots, which grow directly from the stems, are shallow and often serve only to anchor the plant to the surface it is growing on. The plant can be propagated by severing a portion of a stem and planting it elsewhere.

Geographical Distribution

• Wintercreeper is native to eastern regions of Asia, including the countries of China and Japan. It has become established in eastern and central regions of the United States after being introduced as an ornamental plant. It is uncommon in most Atlantic states, including Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. It is more prolific and problematic in central states, like Missouri and Kansas, where it has the potential to be invasive and disruptive to the balance of local ecosystems. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's PLANTS Database, wintercreeper has been recognized as a potentially invasive species, but has not been banned in any states as of June 2011.

Uses

• Wintercreeper is used as a hardy, ornamental ground cover. It is often planted in domestic landscapes along walls or is trained to grow as a bush or shrub along stakes or lattice. It grows in various environmental conditions, including soils with alkaline and acidic pH levels, and is tolerant of excessive moisture. However, it cannot grow in saturated soil with poor drainage and it is not tolerant to drought or extreme heat. It thrives in areas with full or partial exposure to sunlight, but it can grow in heavily shaded locations as well.