boston ivy or virginia creeper?
By Polo
United Kingdom 
i am wanting to grow a self clinging ivy that changes to red in autumn - is it a boston ivy or a virginia creeper i require? and are they both decidious
9 Jun, 2011
Answers
Boston ivy and virginia creeper are common names for particular plants actually called Parthenocissus - P. quinquefolia (virginia creeper) is more vigorous than P. tricuspidata (Boston ivy), reaching 50 x 30 feet. P. triscuspidata reaches a height and spread of 40 x 33 feet and has more maple like leaves which give very good autumn colour.
9 Jun, 2011
They are both deciduous and neither of them is an ivy, in spite of the name. They both turn red in autumn.
9 Jun, 2011
....and Boston Ivy clings to smoother surfaces better than Virginia Creeper which can get blown off unless very rough brick.
11 Jun, 2011
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Hi Polo - I'd say Virginia Creeper; beautiful in Sept/Oct!
9 Jun, 2011