Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a rambunctious but beautiful climbing vine that if left alone can reach heights of around 60 feet. Tiny yellowish-green flowers appear on the vine in midsummer, and attractive fruits decorate it in sunlight. The vine is frequently grown up a trellis or other support, but Virginia creeper is also a fast-growing ground cover. Standard pruning keeps it under control, rejuvenates the plant and encourages more blooms. Virginia creeper is suitable for growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3B through 10.
Disinfect pruners with rubbing alcohol or a mixture of 1 part household bleach to 10 parts water. Disinfecting the pruners prevents the spread of disease.
Prune Virginia creeper every year in late winter; the dormant period is the opportunity to perform a major yearly pruning. Make each cut near a healthy bud. Cut at an angle using the cut slanted away from the grass.
Trim wayward growth from gutters and windows and doors as part of the yearly winter. Virginia creeper is a sturdy vine that tolerates drastic pruning and benefits from removal of one-half to two-thirds of the most recent year’s growth.
Remove dead or damaged vines to promote vigorous flowering and maintain the plant tidy. Repeat as required during the year.
Thin new development if a mass of fresh vines appears at the base of the plant following a serious winter pruning. Eliminate each the feeble growth and maintain the healthiest shoots.
Trim the Virginia creeper vine as required to keep growth in check during the growing season
Related Posts
