Virginia creeper

[Bal]

Hi guys. I just wanted some advice on planting Virginia creeper. I want to grow it on the wall behind the stumpery I'm planning. I have read it can become quite aggressive. Part of the wall is my neighbours garage. I have two questions really. Is it very aggressive. And what is the etquette regarding growing on other peoples buildings ( the wall deciding the gardens is continuos with the garage)

[roitelet]

Unless you are prepared to trim it on an almost weekly basis DONT grow it. It will take over every thing.

[bearded bloke]

^^^^^^^^^ +1

[Jay22]

I have one on the fence, it's in the shade all the time and has decided it's not growing anymore...it's maybe about 10 feet across. Maybe if it's planted in a shady part of the garden it's not so aggressive? I don't know, just a suggestion.

[roitelet]

Mines going great guns on a North facing wall!!!!!

[Scarlet]

Hmm, mines on a North facing wall too. It's "crept" and rooted itself through a 10ft deep border carried on over the path and into my lawn. Personally I'd grow something else. Climbing hydrangeas are lovely, Montana clematis, rambling rose, pyracantha...loads of others to choose from that won't be so much of a headache.
As for growing on a "dividing" wall I thought you could. If you are on good terms, perhaps pop round and ask first?

[clod]

I grew one on the east face of the (3 storey) house and it was just beautiful, BUT raced to the roof, started damaging the bricks and gutters, and was awkward to control to say the least. Sadly it had to go.
I have a clematis montana which is overtaking a mature holly - it's rampant and beautiful (in May) too.
If you choose a rose be careful as some are very vigorous (eg himalayan musk - will get to 100feet! - check it out first).
Great berries on pyracantha, but ever so prickly to work on.
Hydrangeas seem a good idea, what about honeysuckles?
Whatever you do I suggest not considering Russian Vine - it's not called Mile-a-minute for nothing!

[cariann88]

Opps I may of read the title wrong there for a second hehe

[Zelenina]

No no no! Not Virginia Creeper!! It's not a plant. It's a monster that wants to take over the world!!!

My back neighbour has a garden full of it and it wants to take over my garden too. I keep cutting it back to the top of the wall and it grows back down to the bottom in no time. Then it starts creeping along the ground just as fast. Not only do the creeping stems take root, but birds eat the berries and then sit in my trees to poop them out, so it springs up all over the place.

So I definitely do not advise it in any small or normal sized garden. Though it would look pretty climbing up the walls of your country mansion on your vast country estate, if you happen to have one.

[Jay22]

Wonder what's wrong with mine then...it doesn't go very red either before dropping it's leaves...guess that's lack of sun?

[Bal]

Thanks guys il take that as a NO then. I did have one on a fence in my first house it hardly grew at all in 4 years, but it was vey shady. It never went red either. Will think of something else.