The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Identification => Topic started by: Cinderhills on September 24, 2011, 05:41:58 pm

Title: Bright red cilmber
Post by: Cinderhills on September 24, 2011, 05:41:58 pm

I don't have a photo I'm afraid so hopefully someone will know what I'm taking about.  At this time of year I keep seeing on houses around here the most vivid red creeping plant on houses.  I've seen some that aren't so red but I'm interested in the extremely bright red variety.  It looks so fabulous in the autumn.  Could it be some sort of Virginia Creeper?

Title: Re: Bright red cilmber
Post by: jaykay on September 24, 2011, 06:10:01 pm

Yes, if it's the leaves that are red, I expect it is - a good one can be amazingly bright  :)

I like the one with 5-part leaves, often with white veins, Parthenocissus henryana. The true Virginia creeper has three-part leaves.

Title: Re: Bright red cilmber
Post by: SallyintNorth on September 24, 2011, 07:14:47 pm

I seem to remember looking into this one year.  My long-term memory is not always very accurate, so please check anything I write now before you buy...

I think I recall that Virginia Creeper was a bit large-leaved and over-vigorous and could cause structural damage?

Boston Ivy is same species but different variant, Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Veitchii' I think.  I seem to recall the advice was to plant it on a north-east-facing wall, which would maximise the redness in autumn but help to limit the vigour and keep it within bounds.  I'm sure it would have been the big RHS Garden Plants book I'd have been looking it up in.  (Sorry I can't check it for you, I do still have that book but it's in a box somewhere...)

Title: Re: Bright red cilmber
Post by: Miss Piggy on September 24, 2011, 10:15:04 pm

Sally you are exactly right. To maximise the autumn colour it should be planted in light dappled shade which would be a north east facing wall. It adheres to walls by discs rather than penetrating roots so is considered not to damage masonry.

Title: Re: Bright red climber
Post by: Cinderhills on September 25, 2011, 09:40:42 am

Brilliant.  Thank you all.  I intended to plant it on a stone wall rather than the house in case of any damage.  I have the perfect spot by the sounds of it.  :)

Title: Re: Bright red cilmber
Post by: ellisr on September 25, 2011, 10:21:32 am

I have one on my dividing fence and it is amazing at this time of year and also softenes the fence in the summer

Title: Re: Bright red cilmber
Post by: ellied on September 26, 2011, 09:00:15 am

I have it on the west wall of my house and regularly have to pull it off the eaves, roof, window edges.. but it's gorgeous in October - will post a photo if I remember when it turns..