| Description | Parthenocissus tricuspidata
Boston Ivy is an incredibly vigorous deciduous climber that evenly covers any surface it is grown over, making it a very popular option for hiding unsightly spots.
- Large glossy, green three-pronged leaves
- Foliage turns bright crimson in the autumn, standing out dramatically in the landscape
- Tolerates average soils, growing best in well drained loamy soil
| Cercis siliquastrum 'Showgirl'
Cercis 'Showgirl' is the narrowest growing of all the Cercis, making it perfect narrow spaces, along driveways and walkways. Its gorgeous heart-shaped foliage is deep green in the summer, turning golden yellows in autumn and in the spring, clusters of purple-pink blossoms cover the bare branches.
See our Cercis Factsheet here for more about the different Cercis varieties!
For care instructions, features and more, check out Additional Information below | |
| Content | Why buy Boston Ivy?
Boston Ivy is one of our most popular climbers, and rightfully so. It suits Melbourne's weather perfectly. It is a self-adhering climber which grows by clinging to the wall or surface, but without damaging stonework or invading cracks. It can be used to cover unsightly fences, or add a lush layer of green over masonry.
Boston Ivy is deciduous and provides a phenomenal autumn display of oranges and red hues. It not only makes a fantastic addition to any garden, but is also a very cost effective way to add colour and beauty to bland areas.
What else do I need to know about buying Boston Ivy plants?
Boston Ivy is a very hardy and versatile climber and it can grow almost anywhere and under any conditions. However it loves a hot sunny spot with loose fertile soil and plenty of water, and in these ideal conditions it will grow to cover anything in no time.
Boston Ivy can also grow in shade, in pots, in poor soils and confined garden beds. However, if conditions are less than perfect, expect it to grow more slowly. The trick is to plant it more densely to achieve ideal coverage if this is the case.
Plant one plant every metre in ideal conditions, or more plants closer together if conditions are less than ideal.
Check out our Boston Ivy fact sheet page for more information. | | |
| Additional information |
| planting distance |
For hedge or screen: 1m
|
| conditions |
Full sun to part shade in well-drained soil, very frost hardy
|
|
| Botanical Name |
Cercis siliquastrum 'Showgirl'
|
| Other Common Names |
European Redbud, Judas Tree, Redbud
|
| Origin |
Mediterranean
|
| Plant Type |
Tree
|
| Leaf Drop |
Deciduous
|
| Sunshine |
Full Sun, Part Shade
|
| Tolerances |
Soggy Soil Sensitive, Frost Tolerant
|
| Soil Type |
Loam, Loamy – Clay, Sandy – Loam, Well drained
|
| pH |
Acidic, Alkaline, Neutral
|
| Water Requirement |
Moderate
|
| Fertilise Me |
April, March, November, October, September
|
| Fertilizer Frequency |
Bi-annually
|
| Best time to plant |
|
| Planting Distance |
2-3m apart
|
| Max Height |
5m
|
| Max Width |
2m
|
| Growth Speed |
Moderate
|
| Prune Me |
Only if required, Only in winter
|
| Size Maintained at |
3m
|
| Flowering |
Yes
|
| Flowering Time |
October, September
|
| Flower Colour |
Pink, Purple
|
| Fragrance |
None
|
| Foliage Colour |
Green
|
| Autumn Colour |
Yellow
|
| Fruit / Seed |
Rarely, Yes – Non-edible
|
| Attracts |
Bees, Birds, Butterflies
|
| Toxic To |
Non-toxic
|
| Uses |
Shade Tree, Feature Tree
|
| |
