Climber · Vitaceae family
Boston ivy
Parthenocissus tricuspidata
In short a 10-second read
Boston ivy (climber) grows to 9.2–18.3 m tall and 1.5–3.1 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to shade, in dry to average soil. It flowers in June–July; the flowers are green or white. Hardy to −34 °C.
× spread 1.5–3.1 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to shade, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −34 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: little
Soil: clay, humus-rich, sandy, gravelly
Soil pH 5.5–8.5
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 5–10 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
June–July · green or white
Pruning
cut back by a third (November–December); cut back by a third (June–August)
Planting
container plant: October–April
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −34 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does Boston ivy flower?
In June–July; the flowers are green or white.
Does Boston ivy tolerate shade?
Yes, it tolerates full shade.
How much space does Boston ivy need?
At maturity 1.5–3.1 m wide and 9.2–18.3 m tall; recommended spacing 150 cm.
Does Boston ivy survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 20 October 2026.
Show sources (18)
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Parthenocissus tricuspidata
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Parthenocissus tricuspidata
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Parthenocissus tricuspidata
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Parthenocissus tricuspidata
- Wikidata (CC0) — Parthenocissus tricuspidata
- EPPO Global Database — Parthenocissus tricuspidata
- RHS - Parthenocissus tricuspidata
- University of Maryland Extension - Vines for Maryland Gardens
- RHS - Climbers: pruning established
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EASIN, EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
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