Rachida Boutboul, no rights reserved (CC0) · Wikimedia Commons
Parthenocissus henryana
Henry's Virginia creeper
Central China (Hubei, Sichuan; shaded forest margins, rocky slopes; named for Augustine Henry)
Overview
Parthenocissus henryana is a deciduous, self-clinging climbing vine reaching 25-40 feet (7.6-12 m) with a vigorous climbing habit using adhesive tendrils. Native to central China (Hubei, Sichuan), this species is distinguished from other Virginia creepers by its palmately compound leaves with 3-5 leaflets, each 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, velvety dark green to bronze-green with conspicuous silvery-white to pink veins—the veining pattern is most prominent in shade. Autumn color turns vivid red to crimson. The silvery veining fades in strong sun. Small inconspicuous greenish flowers in June-July are followed by dark blue-black berries 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) in autumn. Growth rate is moderate to fast. Hardy to zone 7. Less vigorous and more refined than the common P. quinquefolia or P. tricuspidata.
Native Range
Parthenocissus henryana is native to central China—Hubei and Sichuan provinces—in shaded forest margins and rocky slopes. Named for the plant collector Augustine Henry.Suggested Uses
Trained on walls, fences, or large trees at one plant per 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m) of wall. The silvery-veined foliage is the primary ornamental feature—requires shade to display. Less aggressive than Boston ivy. Vivid red autumn color. Self-clinging via adhesive tendrils—may damage some wall surfaces. Not suitable for full sun (veining fades) or delicate masonry.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height25' - 40'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Bloom Information
Small inconspicuous greenish flowers in June-July. Dark blue-black berries 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) in autumn on short red stalks. Berries provide food for birds.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Velvety dark green to bronze-green with conspicuous silvery-white to pink veins (most vivid in shade); palmately compound 3-5 leaflets 2-4 inches; vivid red-crimson autumnGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in partial shade to full shade in moist, well-drained soil (pH 5.5-7.5). Hardy to zone 7. Shade essential for the most vivid silver veining—in full sun the veining fades. Self-clinging via adhesive tendrils. Less vigorous than P. tricuspidata. May need initial guidance to begin climbing.Pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring to control size and shape. Can be cut back hard if needed. Remove growth from gutters, windows, and areas where the adhesive tendrils may damage surfaces.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring