Boston ivy, a vigorous climbing vine that reaches about 60 feet and turns red orange in fall, needs little care beyond deep watering while young and yearly pruning to keep it off windows, gutters, and roofs. Its seed is sown outdoors in fall after a 24 hour soak, so winter supplies the 60 days of cold stratification it needs to sprout in spring.

Why does Boston ivy cling so tightly to walls?

Because its tendrils end in small adhesive pads that glue themselves to brick, stone, and bark, so the vine climbs without a trellis. The same pads can leave marks and pull at paint or soft mortar when the vine is later removed.

How is Boston ivy cared for throughout the year?

With deep watering through its first growing season and a yearly trim in late winter or early spring, cutting back shoots that reach windows, gutters, roof edges, or wood siding. Hardy in zones 4 to 8, an established vine tolerates a wide range of soils and covers bare slopes as readily as walls.

When can Boston ivy be grown from seed?

In fall outdoors, or in spring after the seed has been chilled indoors. Each fall, Boston Ivy Seeds are soaked for 24 hours and sown 3/8 inch deep in a mulched, moist bed, ready to germinate the following spring. For a spring start, the soaked seed spends 60 days in damp peat in the refrigerator before sowing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boston ivy seed be stratified in snow?

Yes. The seed listing gives 50 days buried in snow as an alternative to 60 days of cold stratification.

Is Boston ivy the same as English ivy?

No. Boston ivy is a deciduous relative of Virginia creeper that drops its leaves each fall, while English ivy is an evergreen from a different plant family.

Can Boston ivy grow in shade?

Yes. It grows in full sun to fairly deep shade, though its fall color is usually brightest in sun.

What pests feed on Boston ivy?

Japanese beetles are among the most common, chewing leaves to lace in early summer. Bug Buster II Insect Spray, a synthetic pyrethroid that lists Japanese beetles, is mixed at 1 ounce per gallon of water and sprayed where the beetles feed.