If you’re looking to add some serious charm to your garden, look no further than Virginia Creeper—also commonly known as Boston Ivy or Woodbine. This plant is a total superstar when it comes to climbing, making it a go-to choice for anyone wanting to create a natural privacy screen or turn a pergola into a leafy retreat. Because of how it grows, it’s basically built for these kinds of garden projects.
Virginia Creeper Grows Fast!
One of the best things about Virginia Creeper is just how quickly it fills in. While the exact speed depends on the specific variety you pick, you can generally expect this vine to put on about three feet of new growth every single year. Of course, picking the right spot in your yard and giving it a little TLC makes a big difference. Try to avoid deep shade; not only will it slow the plant down, but it can also lead to “bald spots” where the foliage looks a bit thin.
So Many Ways to Use This Climber
Because it’s such a vigorous climbing plant that grows thick and lush, you can get really creative with how you use it. Some of my favorite ways to plant it include:
- Dressing up a pergola or covering exterior walls.
- Creating a natural privacy fence.
- Adding a splash of green to balconies, patios, old stone walls, or chain-link fences.
The Ultimate Privacy Screen
If you’re tired of the neighbors peeking into your yard, Virginia Creeper is your best friend. It makes an incredible privacy screen because it grows so densely. Whether you plant it along a pergola or set up a trellis to section off your patio or entryway, you’ll have a lush, nearly opaque wall of green in just a few months.
Using Trellises for Controlled Growth
Keep in mind that not every variety of Virginia Creeper is a “self-climber” (the ones with those cool little suction-cup feet). For the varieties that don’t grip walls on their own, you’ll want to provide a trellis or support system. This gives the vines something to grab onto, helping the plant spread out exactly where you want it to go.
Don’t Forget to Prune!
Since this plant is such a fast grower, it can get a little wild if you let it. To keep it from taking over the whole neighborhood, you’ll want to prune it back regularly. Just grab a sharp pair of garden shears and trim away any stray shoots that are wandering off the trellis. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your vine looking tidy and well-behaved!
