Detailed Explanation of Seed Propagation Techniques and Landscaping Planting Methods for Virginia Creeper
You may not have heard of Virginia creeper, but you are certainly familiar with Boston ivy. Virginia creeper, just like Boston ivy, drapes over fences like a red wall. Its colors are vivid and very beautiful. Let's take a look at the planting techniques for Virginia creeper below.
I. Seedling Cultivation
Virginia creeper seedlings can be propagated by seeding, layering, softwood cuttings and hardwood cuttings. Through experimental comparison and comprehensive measurement and calculation, seed propagation and hardwood cutting propagation have high reproduction coefficients and low costs. Layering propagation has low efficiency, and softwood cutting propagation has high labor costs, so neither is suitable for large-scale seedling cultivation of Virginia creeper.
1.1 Seeding
1.1.1 Seed Collection
From late September to late October, when leaves begin to fall, collect well-ripened fruits. After crushing and composting for one week, rinse repeatedly with clean water, collect the mature seeds that sink to the bottom, and place them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place to air-dry for storage.
1.1.2 Seed Treatment
From late March to early April of the following year, take out the seeds, warm them to room temperature, soak the seeds in warm water at 35-40 °C for 24h. After removing, soak them in a 5‰ potassium permanganate solution for 15-30 min, rinse with clean water 3-4 times, mix with clean moist river sand at a ratio of 1:3, and place in a seedling cellar for low-temperature moisture-retaining cold storage. From late April to early May, take them out for germination promotion. Sow when 30% of the seeds have cracked and shown white.
1.1.3 Land Preparation and Bed Making
Select a plot with flat terrain and well-drained sandy loam soil as the seedling site. Use a rotary tiller to prepare the land to ensure loose soil. Adopt raised bed seedling cultivation. The seedbed should be 10-15cm high, 1-1.2m wide, and 10-20m long, with a path width of 50cm. Apply base fertilizer of diammonium phosphate at 10g m-2.
1.1.4 Sowing
Sow by drilling in furrows, with a furrow depth of 2-3cm and a furrow spacing of 20cm. The sowing rate per 667m2 is 1.71kg, which is 90-100 seeds m-2 or 18-20 seeds per row. After sowing, compact the seedbed, cover with a thin layer of Korean pine needles, and then water thoroughly.
1.1.5 Tending and Management
Water at appropriate times, generally once every 2-3d. Within 3d after sowing, spray a herbicide. The herbicide type and dosage are 24% Goal at 20 mL mixed with 5% quizalofop-p-ethyl emulsifiable concentrate at 50mL, diluted with 50kg of water, and sprayed on the seedbed. Seedlings will emerge completely in about 20d, with a high emergence rate of over 90% and large growth. The average ground diameter can reach 0.37cm, and the main vine can reach over 0.9m.
Seedlings can overwinter in the open field. After leaf fall and before the soil freezes, water the seedbed thoroughly once to prevent seedlings from drying out due to lack of water. They can also be graded and stored in a cellar by heel-in storage.
1.2 Hardwood Cuttings
1.2.1 Cutting Preparation and Treatment
Cut cuttings in early April before bud break. Select healthy dormant branches free of pests and diseases with a base diameter of over 0.4cm. The cutting length is 10-12cm, with the top bud 1cm from the upper cut. Bundle 100 cuttings into one bundle, soak in a solution of GGR6 rooting powder at 200mg kg-1 for 5h, place in a seedling cellar for cold storage, and cover in layers with moist river sand. Keep the sand pile at low temperature and well-ventilated.
1.2.2 Seedbed Specifications and Substrate
In early May, after tilling and harrowing the nursery land with a rotary tiller, directly use the cultivated soil as the bed. The seedbed specifications are: 10m long, 1.0m wide, 15cm high, with a path width of 50cm. The soil should be soft and well-ventilated.
1.2.3 Cutting Time and Method
Carry out cuttings in mid-to-late May, with a plant spacing of 10cm×10cm. Use micro-sprinkler facilities and water 2-4 times daily. Roots will form in about 15d, with a high rooting rate of over 70%. The average main vine length can reach over 1.84 m, and the ground diameter growth can reach over 0.71cm.
1.2.4 Tending and Management
After rooting, appropriately reduce watering frequency and remove weeds manually. Water immediately after weeding to prevent root damage and air exposure, and promptly prevent and control pests and diseases. Before freezing, dig up the seedlings, store them in a cellar or let them overwinter in the open field in the original bed.
II. Landscaping Planting
2.1 Land Preparation
Pit-shaped land preparation, remove construction waste such as stones, rubble, bricks, etc. If necessary, improve soil fertility by applying farmyard manure or imported soil.
2.2 Seedling Specifications
Select 2-year-old seed seedlings or hardwood cutting seedlings of 1 year or more for planting. Healthy seedlings with a ground diameter of ≥1.0cm or more are required.
2.3 Planting Method
According to actual conditions or needs, use single-row or multi-row planting. The planting spacing should be ≥30cm or more, and plants should be as close as possible to the base of buildings. After planting, cut off excess branches, leaving only about 10cm of stubble above ground. However, to speed up greening, some main vines can be appropriately retained and fixed to the wall. When new vines grow and attach firmly, remove the fixings. Firm the soil when planting and water thoroughly. Weed promptly and prevent pests. If pest damage occurs and affects the ornamental effect, environmentally friendly pesticides such as abamectin can be used for control. Water once for winter protection in late October, and water once for thawing in late April of the following year.
Currently in the western region of Heilongjiang, Virginia creeper is the northernmost introduction in China. It can be used for wall greening and also for trellis greening. But it is mainly suitable for wall greening of enclosing walls, single-story houses, multi-story buildings and overpasses. In this region, low-rise buildings such as enclosing walls and single-story houses generally achieve full greening in 1-2 years. Overpasses and 3-story buildings generally require 2-4 years to achieve full greening.
Brief Introduction to How to Plant Boston Ivy
How to Plant Boston Ivy | Boston Ivy Pictures
Boston ivy, also known as climbing ivy, ground ivy, soil-drum vine, and red grape vine, belongs to the order Rhamnales, family Vitaceae. It is native to the Korean Peninsula, Japan, and North China and Northeast China.
The appearance of Boston ivy always brings people a sense of coolness, as if seeing a green wall covered entirely with Boston ivy means a comfortable and pleasant environment on the other side. So how should Boston ivy be planted, and what methods are there?
Introduction to the Types of Boston Ivy
Boston ivy is native to China and widely distributed throughout the country. It is a beautiful landscaping plant and a deciduous large woody vine of the genus Parthenocissus in the family Vitaceae. It is mostly planted at courtyard walls, can be potted, and can also be used for winemaking! There are many types. Below, the editor will give you a brief introduction to the types of Boston ivy so you can recognize and distinguish them.
Boston ivy: Genus Parthenocissus, family Vitaceae. There are about 15 species in the world, widely dispersed in North America and Asia. About 10 species of Boston ivy have been recorded in China, native throughout the country, distributed from the southwest to the east.
）
Introduction status: non-introduced.
Native to China. Shade-loving and cold-tolerant, with strong adaptability to soil and extremely rapid growth, achieving good landscaping effects in a short time.
The most common types of Boston ivy in China:
Parthenocissus heterophylla
Heterophyllous leaves. Leaves on vegetative branches are commonly single, heart-shaped, and relatively small.
The leaf surface is commonly light green, occasionally pale white. Its young leaves and autumn leaves are both purplish-red. The flowering period of Parthenocissus heterophylla is generally June.
Parthenocissus laetevirens
The main characteristic is that the leaves on flowering branches are palmately compound, with 3-5 leaflets, mostly 5, obovate or elliptic, 6-14 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. Bilaterally symmetrical, base not oblique, slightly pubescent on the veins on the back, 7-10 pairs of lateral veins, raised on both sides, petiolules 0.5-1 cm long. Cymes paniculate, spreading, opposite to leaves or terminal on lateral branches. Flowering period June-July, fruit ripening period September-October.
Cutting Propagation Method for Boston Ivy
Boston ivy is generally planted by cuttings. Take mature Boston ivy plants and carry out cutting propagation in early summer, in May and June.
Dig a hole about 15 cm deep at the base of the wall, insert the cut Boston ivy branches, with a branch length of about 30-40 cm. After inserting, cover with soil and water once every two days. It will sprout in about half a month.
Seed Propagation Method for Boston Ivy
For seed propagation, seeds are naturally key. In September, when the Boston ivy fruits turn ripe purple, pick the fruits and remove the skin and pulp clean. Store in semi-dry sand. Sowing can be done in March of the following year.
Boston Ivy Pictures
When you see an old wooden building with walls covered in green Boston ivy, do you feel as if you are in retro continental Europe, full of forest vibes?
Having grown accustomed to green Boston ivy, this branch of red Boston ivy also has a unique charm. Vivid red Boston ivy creeps over gray bricks, fully displaying vicissitudes and antique simplicity.
Who says Boston ivy can only cover walls? It is also quite nice as a potted plant! A small pot with lush green leaves, very flourishing.
How to Cultivate Boston Ivy
Do you want to have your own beautiful "Queen of Flowers"? Then hurry up and follow the editor to learn how to cultivate Boston ivy!
Temperature and Light:
Although Boston ivy has strong adaptability and is cold-resistant and drought-tolerant, temperature control still needs attention during cultivation. Boston ivy is a warmth-loving flowering plant, so suitable temperatures should be maintained during the day. Slightly lower temperatures at night will not affect the normal growth of Boston ivy. Dry or moist, well-ventilated, and well-sheltered locations are more conducive to the growth of Boston ivy.
Soil Moisture:
Moist soil is more suitable for the vigorous growth of Boston ivy. Therefore, ensuring moisture in both soil and air is very important, and controlling it to the optimal level is best. In addition, the soil should remain fertile, loose, and well-drained.
Watering and Fertilizing:
Water Boston ivy only when dry, and water thoroughly when watering. In summer, water once each morning and evening. In spring and autumn, water in the afternoon. In winter, water demand is low, so watering once every two weeks is sufficient.
Propagation and Cultivation:
Boston ivy has the characteristic of strong vitality. Simply cultivate it by inserting cut branches about 15cm long into a flower pot. First place it in a bright location at about 10-20℃ for cultivation. Wait for it to take root and sprout, then transfer it to a large vat for growing.
The Influence of Environment on Boston Ivy
Boston ivy prefers shady and moist conditions, is cold-tolerant and drought-tolerant, and has strong adaptability. It can climb and grow by attaching to walls and other supports through suckers. Light, temperature, and moisture can all directly affect Boston ivy.
Gardeners should now have a general understanding of how to cultivate Boston ivy. So take action and further cultivate Boston ivy!
How to Plant Potted Boston Ivy
Boston ivy grows vigorously, has strong adaptability, is cold-resistant and drought-resistant, and does not have strict soil requirements. People living on the top floor are suitable for pot cultivation, and it is also relatively convenient to manage. This article briefly introduces the pot cultivation method for Boston ivy!
Can it be potted?
Potted Boston ivy requires a relatively large flower pot or large vat, so that it can obtain sufficient nutrients in later growth and thrive upward. Gardeners can give it a try.
Materials for Pot Cultivation Preparation
Flower pot or large vat, which must be aesthetically pleasing. The greatest function of a flower pot is to decorate the room. Try to choose a prettier blue-and-white porcelain flower pot or large vat.
Bury organic fertilizer in the bottom of the pot. Organic fertilizer is the basic requirement for its vigorous growth.
Boston ivy seedlings with good growth
Pot Cultivation Method for Boston Ivy
First, in late spring and early summer, insert leafy Boston ivy branches and stems into sandy soil, keep the sandy soil moist, and they will quickly take root and grow.
Cut branches from mature plants, retain the buds on the branches, and new branches will easily grow. The following year, cut them from the parent plant and plant separately.
When first potting, bury organic fertilizer in the bottom of the pot as base fertilizer, and apply another topdressing after leaf fall in late autumn.
Place a few colored stones in the bottle to enhance the aesthetic effect.
After completing the above four steps, the pot cultivation is done, and what remains is care. Boston ivy is drought-tolerant and cold-tolerant. Prevent water accumulation in the pot, otherwise it will get sick.
Precautions
Indoor temperature should be suitable.
The culture solution should be carefully selected. Do not choose casually just to avoid trouble. Try to choose one that contains all mineral elements. (Of course, this is not something you can decide!)
Prevent water accumulation in the pot and prevent pests and diseases.
The culture solution should be changed regularly. During care, try not to change the brand of the culture solution. The plant has already adapted to one environment, so do not change it casually.
How to Distinguish Boston Ivy from Ivy
Boston ivy and ivy, do they look different from a distance? Both are vines, and their leaves are so similar that it is really hard to tell them apart. But with careful study, distinguishing the two is actually quite simple. Let's take a look together!
Morphological Differences Between Ivy and Boston Ivy
This is the most intuitive way to distinguish them
Ivy
Ivy has woody stems, with stem length reaching 3-5 meters, much branched, with aerial roots on the stems. Young tender branches are pubescent, rust-colored and scale-like. Leaves are leathery and alternate. Umbels are solitary or 2-7 terminal, yellow-white or green-white. Fruit is spherical, berry-like, yellow or red. Flowering period May-August, fruiting period September-November.
Boston Ivy
The morphology of Boston ivy is similar to wild grape vines. The vine stem can reach 18 meters long. Cymes are often borne on short branches between two leaves, inconspicuous in clusters, yellow-green or berries purple-black, mostly bisexual, monoecious. Berries are small and spherical, blue-black when ripe, covered with white powder. Flowering period June, fruiting period September-October. The most obvious characteristic is that Boston ivy has relatively strong climbing ability.
Differences in Habits Between Ivy and Boston Ivy
You can also tell which is which from their growth environments.
Ivy
Ivy has strong adaptability to the environment, prefers cooler climates, has relatively strong cold tolerance, and does not have strict light requirements. It can grow anywhere, usually in shady and humid environments.
Boston Ivy
Boston ivy has strong adaptability and prefers shady and humid environments, but is not afraid of strong light. It is cold-tolerant, drought-tolerant, and barren-tolerant. South of the warm temperate zone, it can remain semi-evergreen or evergreen in winter. It is tolerant of pruning but afraid of water accumulation. It mostly grows in fertile soil and will grow attached to buildings.
Distribution Differences Between Ivy and Boston Ivy
There are distribution differences between Boston ivy and ivy. Wherever you see them, check the location.
Ivy
Ivy is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. In China, it is distributed in Central China, East China, Southwest China, Gansu, and Shaanxi.
Boston Ivy
Boston ivy is native to eastern Asia, the Himalayan region, and North America. In China, it is distributed in Henan, Liaoning, Hebei, Shanxi, Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei, Guangxi, Guangdong, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, and Fujian.
Differences in Family and Genus Between Ivy and Boston Ivy
Ivy
Ivy is an evergreen woody vine in the plant kingdom, phylum Angiospermae, class Dicotyledoneae, subclass Rosidae, order Apiales, family Araliaceae, tribe Schefflereae, genus Hedera.
Boston Ivy
Boston ivy is a perennial large deciduous woody vine in the plant kingdom, phylum Angiospermae, class Dicotyledoneae, subclass Rosidae, order Vitales, family Vitaceae, genus Parthenocissus.
From the difference in family and genus, one more point can be seen: ivy is an evergreen plant, while Boston ivy is deciduous.
Complete Guide to Disease Control for Boston Ivy
The diseases of Boston ivy include powdery mildew and leaf spot. It has relatively strong resistance, and pest and disease occurrences are few, though they occasionally appear. Below, the editor will explain its pests and diseases and their control in detail to help you better care for Boston ivy~
Powdery mildew:
The disease can occur from the seedling stage. It basically harms the entire Boston ivy plant. Small yellow spots first appear, then develop into elliptical spots, with a white powdery mold layer on the outside, mostly on the underside of leaves under normal conditions. In the early stage, mildew spots are scattered separately, then later combine and can cover the entire leaf, seriously affecting photosynthesis, interfering with metabolism, and causing premature aging.
[Disease development patterns]
The pathogen cannot oversummer in plain areas; after autumn it spreads through airflow to wheat seedlings in the plains and causes disease. An epidemic is mainly triggered by two conditions: first, large-scale planting of susceptible varieties; second, suitable environmental conditions. Generally, when fertilizer is applied excessively, the wheat plants grow excessively, the plants become weak, and field humidity is high, so the disease becomes relatively severe. The disease usually develops an infection center in March to April, and then as the temperature gradually rises, the rate of diseased plants increases rapidly, and under certain conditions an epidemic begins.
[Control methods]
Agricultural measures: First, plant disease-resistant varieties; second, cultivate rationally and fertilize appropriately.
Chemical control: First, seed dressing with chemicals, using the same method as for wheat loose smut; second, carry out control in spring and autumn.
Leaf spot disease:
① Brown spot, infecting large areas; the spots on leaves are elliptical, then enlarge and develop concentric rings. On stems and petioles the spots are dark brown and appear elongated.
② Black spot. Small black circular spots appear on leaves, then expand into irregular patches with slightly raised edges, and small black dots are scattered on both surfaces.
③ Blight spot. Elliptical, elongated light reddish-brown spots appear on leaves, then expand into irregular patches, and black dots form on the spots.
[Disease development patterns]:
The leaf spot pathogens overwinter with diseased tissue, and in the following year infect hosts during the disease period according to climate. The three brown spot diseases occur in all four seasons. Poor ventilation or excessive humidity all favor disease development.
[Control methods]:
If indoors in a greenhouse, soil replacement can be used for control.
Boston ivy should not be sprayed or watered over the foliage; do not treat it by spraying.
Begin spraying as soon as disease appears to prevent spread. Pay attention to alternating chemicals to avoid the pathogen developing resistance.
A detailed explanation of the ornamental and medicinal value of Boston ivy
Boston ivy is also called "evergreen ivy," "dijing," and "bashanhu." Besides representing tenacious vitality and firm upward will, it also has very high medicinal value and considerable ornamental value. The editor will now take you into the world of Boston ivy's value!
The ornamental value of Boston ivy:
Its surface has lenticels. When summer comes, the branches and leaves are lush, and it often attaches to walls or surrounding rocks. It is suitable for planting on courtyard walls and at entrances, bridgeheads, and other places that help beautify houses and the surrounding environment. It can both lower temperature and reduce noise, keeping the surroundings quiet.
Boston ivy has dense stems and leaves. Covering a house, it can block sunlight and lower indoor temperature. As a barrier, it can reduce noise and absorb dust. It can also absorb moisture from the wall and keep the house dry; in dry seasons, it can also increase humidity.
The main role of Boston ivy is vertical greening. It is the most commonly used and most ideal among climbing plants. It mainly relies on its suckers to continuously climb upward along walls. Over time, it covers the exterior walls of buildings, and with the changes of the four seasons, it makes the colors of buildings rich and varied.
The medicinal value of Boston ivy
The roots and stems of Boston ivy can be used as medicine and have the effects of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, disinfecting, and reducing swelling.
Collection and processing: stems are collected before leaf fall; roots can be collected year-round.
Nature and flavor: warm, dry and astringent; its toxicity is that the whole plant is toxic.
Functions and indications: promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, dredging vessels and detoxifying, beneficial for rheumatic joint pain; used externally for traumatic injuries.
Feng shui effects
Throughout the country, Boston ivy symbolizes vigorous upward vitality. It is mostly planted at family courtyard residences, symbolizing the family's vigorous upward growth and the fine development of the younger generation. You will bravely advance toward the goal you pursue.
After the editor's explanation, do you already have a preliminary understanding in your mind? We also have articles on the effects and functions of Boston ivy to take you deeper into understanding it. Come with me!
The growth habits of Boston ivy: an excellent landscaping plant
Using Boston ivy to decorate the exterior of gardens and dwellings is no longer a novelty. Of course, it can also be used to decorate balconies, windowsills, and other indoor parts of a residence.
I. The growth habits of Boston ivy
Boston ivy is vigorous. It is not afraid of scorching sun exposure and is also quite shade-tolerant. Whether planted in front of or behind a house, it can quickly spread and grow along wall surfaces. Boston ivy has strong cold resistance and can overwinter naturally in most areas of our country. It is both drought-tolerant and waterlogging-tolerant. When planting, you can cut three-year-old old vines from the split surface and cut them into 30-50 cm sections, then either bury them flat or insert them obliquely into the soil, and they will quickly take root. When planting, it should be planted in front of the apron of a building or wall. Loosen the soil at a spacing of 1.5-2 m, with a loosening depth of 30 cm. It is best to apply some organic fertilizer to encourage the stems to climb more quickly. Then dig open the loosened soil and bury the stem sections in the soil to a depth of 10 cm. Immediately water thoroughly. After 20 days, the new stems and vines can emerge from the soil surface and climb over the apron onto the wall, and after that no management is needed. After 8 years, if the stems and vines grow too densely, they can be appropriately thinned.
II. Landscaping applications of Boston ivy
First, Boston ivy is also called climbing ivy and dijing. It is a large woody vine with tendrils. The tendrils are short and many-branched, and when the tips touch objects they can specialize into adhesive suckers, so Boston ivy can climb on bark, stone walls, or wall surfaces with a certain degree of roughness, while smooth ceramic tile walls and glass windows cannot be adhered to and climbed. In the north it can climb up to 14 m, and in Jiangnan it can climb 18-20 m.
Second, Boston ivy has quite tenacious vitality. It has broad adaptability and strong stress resistance, and can grow and reproduce in places where the soil layer is extremely thin and the natural environment is relatively harsh, seizing territory. According to relevant records, Boston ivy planted in the corners of overpasses, despite receiving little sunlight and no artificial maintenance year-round, can still grow tenaciously, only at a slow growth rate.
Third, Boston ivy grows quickly. Newly planted Boston ivy at the base of an ordinary wall (three-year-old) can increase branch length by 2 m to 3 m each year, and from the second year onward branch length can increase by another 4 m to 5 m, and each plant can also grow 5 to 12 branches, showing that growth is very rapid.
Fourth, Boston ivy has a very good covering effect. The famous writer Mr. Ye Shengtao once gave a very vivid and detailed description of this in the article "The Feet of Boston Ivy": "The leaves of Boston ivy are so fresh green that they look very comfortable. The leaf tips all point downward in one direction, and they are spread so evenly on the wall, with no overlapping and not leaving even a little gap. When a gust of wind blows, the leaves on the whole wall ripple, and they look very beautiful."
III. Application characteristics of Virginia creeper
Virginia creeper is also called American ivy and five-leaf ivy, and it also has tendrils and suckers. In continental climate areas with dry air, its suckers are difficult to form, so its climbing ability is relatively poor. When applying it, it is advisable to choose a sheltered shady or semi-shady place with little wind. A trellis can also be installed on the wall to help the tendrils twine and climb, and it can also be planted mixed with Boston ivy, using Boston ivy as support to twine upward. Virginia creeper likes a warm and humid oceanic climate, and also has a certain degree of cold resistance and drought tolerance. It likes light, tolerates heat, and has strong adaptability to urban soil. Virginia creeper can be propagated by sowing, layering, cuttings, and other methods, and grows even faster than Boston ivy.
Boston ivy is well known for being easy to grow, because it can spread freely with almost no manual care, just like ink dropped into clear water, and it can cover an entire wall at a very fast speed, so it is a very good landscaping plant.