Surefire autumn color on the vine - Brief Article

* When it comes to fiery fall foliage, Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) puts on a show that's unsurpassed by other deciduous vines. Here you see it blazing up the wall of a stately house in Denver's Seventh Avenue Historic District.

In summer, leaves composed of five 6-inch-long leaflets form a dense dark green blanket. Small purple berries resembling grapes appear in late summer (these fruits attract birds but arc toxic to humans). In autumn, the leaves turn brilliant shades of scarlet before dropping.

Hardy enough to grow in nearly all Sunset climate zones, Virginia creeper will thrive in either full sun or filtered shade, and its low water requirement makes it a natural choice for xeriscapes. A versatile vine, it can be used to dress up a dull wall, cover a boring fence, or create a living privacy screen. Or let it sprawl on slopes as a ground cover to control erosion.

Set out nursery plants early this fall or next spring. Keep in mind, though, that a single established plant can spread 60 feet or more. The vine attaches itself with clinging tendrils, which can be difficult to remove from wood siding and mortared brick and stone surfaces. Prune as needed to keep the exuberant foliage from casting unwanted shade on neighboring plants.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Sunset Publishing Corp.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group