Other great companion plants include low-maintenance shrubs that thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Call on mock orange Philadelphus, ninebark Physocarpus, and potentilla to enhance full-sun or part-shade areas. These easy-to-grow shrubs will provide spring and early summer flowers at the foot of Boston ivy. Complement full-shade plantings of Boston ivy with rhododendron and camellia shrubs.
How to Care For Boston Ivy
A fast-growing tendril-type vine, Boston ivy grows well in full sun or shade and tolerates most soil conditions. Count on this salt-tolerant plant to grow well in slow-draining clay and quick-to-dry sandy soil and every soil type in between. It does an admirable job of controlling erosion on troublesome slopes. Growing Boston ivy does come with some challenges. The vine clings to vertical surfaces by using adhesive holdfasts (also known as sucker disks) that stay on the structure long after the vine has been removed. For that reason, you may want to reconsider growing this climber on structures with painted, wood, or shingled exteriors. If you are comfortable letting this fast-growing ivy cover your house or garage, prune it annually to prevent it from growing over windows and into gutters. Boston ivy does best in light conditions that range from full sun to part shade (choose full sun for the best fall color) and average well-drained soils. Plant container-grown transplants from nurseries in spring. Water the plant well during the first season after planting and spread a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch around the root zone to keep it cool. After the plant is established and begins growing rapidly, plan to prune annually in early spring before the leaves emerge. Trim the leafless vines back significantly to maintain the desired length and shape of the vine.
More Varieties of Boston Ivy
Virginia Creeper
Parthenocissus quinquefolia bears dark green, hand-shaped leaves that turn bright red in fall. It can climb to 50 feet and is native to areas of North America. Zones 3-9
Boston Ivy
Parthenocissus tricuspidata offers ivy-shaped leaves that turn bright red and purple in fall. It can climb 70 feet. Zones 4-8
