How to grow Virginia creeper – it may divide opinion, but this fast-growing, shade-tolerant vine will cover walls and fences in record time

Red and green leaves of Virginia creeper growing across a garden wall.

Virginia creeper is a fast-growing vine that is native to North America. With a tolerance for shade and neglect, this climber is ideal for gardeners who are short on time and want a low-maintenance vine to fill bare walls and uninspiring empty fences.

Also known as the five-leaved ivy due to its star-like ovate leaflets, Virginia creeper, or Parthenocissus quinquefolia, is not only an easy, foolproof species, but it is also a vine to grow for fall color, turning shades of bright red and orange in the fall months, as can be seen in the images here.