The Engelman ivy, or Parthenocissus quinquefolia, is a huge, five-leafed ivy that is mostly recognized by its sticky tendrils used for climbing. It is a species of the grape family and can survive in zones 3–7, growing well in both full sun and partial shade. This plant is both droughts- and water-resistant.
The leaves of this plant turn lovely colors of bronze and red in the fall, providing a beautiful contrast to the dark blue berries that are ripening. Thus, this plant is commonly cultivated for the fall appeal it provides. The berries are a delicious treat for a variety of birds, such as robins, nuthatches, and woodpeckers, but they are not fit for human eating.
Engelman Ivy is not an actual ivy, but it is a magnificent vine. Its leaves are smaller and less vigorous than other Virginia Creepers. Its little pads allow it to firmly attach to walls, fences, and any other smooth surface.
Engleman Ivy Growth Rate
The mature height of an Englemann Ivy is around 20 feet, and its spread is approximately 6 feet. It needs to be planted near a trellis, or another landscape structure so that it can be trained to grow upwards on that structure. It matures at a rapid rate, and its lifespan, under optimal conditions, can be anticipated to be somewhere around 20 years.
The growth habit of Englemann Ivy is that of a twining and trailing multi-stemmed deciduous woody vine. When compared to other landscaping plants with less refined leaves, it stands out due to the relatively fine texture that it possesses. Overall, this is a fantastic grower that is hardy to Midwestern zones. The leaves are initially white and green, then transform into a beautiful burgundy color in the fall.
Engleman Ivy Care
This woody vine flourishes in either full sun or full shade. It does well in both dry and wet places and does fine in most home landscapes. It can thrive in a wide range of soil conditions and is resistant to the salts found naturally in its habitat. It is extremely tolerant of urban pollutants and can even grow in locations that are considered to be part of the city. This is a group of species that are native to North America. These vines need only partial shade to thrive, but can also flourish in direct sunlight. Greater exposure to the sun generally results in more vibrant foliage beginning in early autumn.
This woody vine is mostly pruned whenever it needs it and only really needs periodic care and attention. It is a relatively good choice for bringing birds to your yard, but it is not particularly appealing to deer, which prefer better meals.
Engleman Ivy Pruning
These leaves possess the potential to shade structures when a plant climbs up a wall, but they can also grow into thickets that engulf other plants. The plant needs to be pruned frequently or tied to a trellis with rope to prevent it from taking over the entire garden.
It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, it is recommended to cut back Engleman Ivy vines whenever it’s essential. This species of vine grows quickly and requires regular trimming to keep it in check because, like many vines, it is invasive. Early spring is the best time to prune the plant, and this is the time to even prune it to the ground, for the quickest regrowth. By the end of spring, new growth often starts to show, and over the summer, the plant develops quickly.
Engleman Ivy Propagation
Although the vine Engleman Ivy (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is usually grown for ornamental purposes, it is also utilized for ground erosion management and ground cover. It has rapid growth and climbing abilities in the wild, and can also run on the ground. Birds also like the fruits produced by the Engleman Ivy.
It is possible to start a new Engleman Ivy plant from seed, but it is much simpler to do it from a cutting taken from an established plant. Engleman Ivy is easily propagated through layering. Digging out a stem that already contains its roots and transplanting it into a container is all that is required to start a new plant. This can be done at any time; however, it is advised to pay attention to stems that have already been rooted.
